PC-1512
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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| Amstrad PC1512 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Personal computer |
| Released | 1986 |
| Discontinued | ?? |
| Processor | Intel 8086 @ 8 MHz |
| Memory | 512 KiB ~ 640 KiB |
| OS | MS-DOS 3.2 /DOS Plus |
The Amstrad PC1512 was Amstrad's mostly IBM PC-compatible home computer system, first manufactured in 1986. It was later succeeded by the PC1640.
It launched for £499 and sold very well, as it was one of the first cheap PCs in Europe. It significantly helped open up the European PC market to consumers as well as businesses, and Amstrad's advertising of the PC1512 was aimed at homes rather than offices.
The PC1512 shipped with 512 KiB of RAM; it could be upgraded to 640 KiB of RAM with an expansion pack. Video output was compatible with the CGA standard, with an extension allowing all 16 colours to be used in the 640×200 graphics mode. The CPU of both the PC1512 and the later PC1640 was an 8-MHz Intel 8086, which was sufficient for playing Maniac Mansion and Prince of Persia. The power supply was located in the monitor, which made upgrading difficult.
Amstrad licensed MS-DOS 3.2 and DOS Plus, which included some features from CP/M and the ability to read CP/M disks. They also licensed the GEM windowing system, which supported the customized CGA hardware of the 1512.
The PC1512 was followed by the PC1640, which had 640 KiB of RAM and an EGA-compatible graphics chipset. Either model shipped with one or two 5.25" floppy drives, and optionally a hard drive (either 10 or 20 MB). The hard drive made particular noises which are often fondly remembered by PC1512 or PC1640 users.
Amstrad also attempted to expand its market share by selling computers in the United States. In the US the PC1512 was known as the PC5120 and the PC1640 was marketed as the PC6400.
[edit] External links
- More information on the Amstrad PC1512 (includes image)
- Amstrad's Home Page of Cliff (Drivers, Disks, Software)
