Sinclair
Starting out in radio electronics, Clive Sinclair’s company steadily grew until an early boom in home computer kits caught his interest. Working with Chris Curry, the MK14 was created; a small DIY kit with a tiny LED display. Buoyed by the interest it generated, its successor was planned to be the first affordable home computer that anyone could use. The ZX81 was a milestone in the history of computing but nothing compared to the juggernaut that was the ZX Spectrum in its numerous forms.
Along with Acorn and Commodore, Sinclair was responsible for the home computing revolution in the 1980s. Not only were the computers affordable, thanks to relentless removal of everything but the most essential components, they introduced a generation to information technology, dovetailing with the social mobility plans being pressed by the Thatcher government. The ZX Spectrum alone sold over 5 million units worldwide.
Frustrated by not yet cracking the business market, and failing to get the ZX Spectrum selected as the BBC’s choice for educational computer (that would go to his erstwhile colleague Chris Curry and his newly-founded Acorn), the now Sir Clive Sinclair developed the QL, targeted directly at the office place. Sadly, it was unsuccessful and the company was eventually sold to Amstrad, who continued the Spectrum line with several new models, embracing the gaming market. The last Sinclair products were PC clones and the brand was discontinued in the late 1980s.
Today Sinclair represents a pivotal moment in computing history, and British history. Sir Clive will forever be remembered for bringing computing to the masses and kickstarting a computer literacy revolution whose effects can still be seen today.
Along with Acorn and Commodore, Sinclair was responsible for the home computing revolution in the 1980s. Not only were the computers affordable, thanks to relentless removal of everything but the most essential components, they introduced a generation to information technology, dovetailing with the social mobility plans being pressed by the Thatcher government. The ZX Spectrum alone sold over 5 million units worldwide.
Frustrated by not yet cracking the business market, and failing to get the ZX Spectrum selected as the BBC’s choice for educational computer (that would go to his erstwhile colleague Chris Curry and his newly-founded Acorn), the now Sir Clive Sinclair developed the QL, targeted directly at the office place. Sadly, it was unsuccessful and the company was eventually sold to Amstrad, who continued the Spectrum line with several new models, embracing the gaming market. The last Sinclair products were PC clones and the brand was discontinued in the late 1980s.
Today Sinclair represents a pivotal moment in computing history, and British history. Sir Clive will forever be remembered for bringing computing to the masses and kickstarting a computer literacy revolution whose effects can still be seen today.