Sinclair Research is now advertising the new ZX81 computer in British computer magazines. An improved version of the ZX80 computer, the ZX81 has been redesigned to incorporate a number of new features. The ZX80 reduced the number of integrated circuits to 21, but the ZX81 further reduces the number of chips to four by using a new custom-built chip that replaces 18 others. The 8k Basic ROM chip (now also available for the ZX80 as a drop-in replacement) gives the user the capacity to use decimals with 8 place accuracy, to work with log and trig functions (with their inverses), to plot graphs, and to make animated displays. A new 40 key keyboard expands the number of key words that can be entered by one key stroke, e.g., PEEK, POKE, SCROLL. This eliminates typing out these words.
Twenty new graphics characters and 54 inverse video characters increase the graphics capabilities. Users have the choice of two speed modes: “slow” and “fast” which is four times the “slow” mode and comparable to other personal computers. The slow mode eliminates screen flicker. Although the 1K RAM is the same as for the ZX80, it can be expanded by plugging in the new 16K memory unit. (So can the ZX80.)
The ZX81 will sell in Great Britain for £69.95, but it will not be available in the U.S. for the foreseeable future. Even if we colonials fly to Britain to buy it, the British version will not work with an American TV set. However, ZX80 users can have most of the capabilities (excluding the animated display) if they upgrade to the new 8K Basic ROM which is now available in the U.S. for $39.95 plus shipping from Sinclair Research (see Resources Column).
Sinclair has also announced that a 32 column printer will be available in the summer of 1981 for about £50. This will work with the 8K ROM machines.