Demand for ZX81 Outstrips Supply

When the history of the microcomputer is written, the ZX81 is going to deserve a prominent mention: it could well be the watershed for introducing computers into the home.

From the first day it was launched in Britain, sales have been at 1000 units a day and world-wide sales in October are reported at 40,000!

The demand has quite outstripped supply. Gladstone Electronics, who import the ZX81 direct from Britain placed the first order from North America but still have an backlog of enormous orders. “We’ve managed to keep the good will of most those ordering by being totally honest about the supply situation!” said Howard Gladsione. “We feel bad about customers who have been waiting now up to 2½ months but there’s nothing we can do. People are being remarkably patient and they do understand that they’ll all be supplied in order. We’re hoping that the situation will be much better by the time your readers see their February issue of ETI.”

A printer for these computers is now on sale in Britain and is expected to be available in North America in the near future. For the complete inner workings of the ZX8l, see the review in next month’s ETI.