built-in BASIC, launched at the end of January 1980 at a computer fair in Wembley, UK. The processor was an NEC780-C running at 3.25 MHz. It had 1KB of RAM, externally expandable to 16KB, and 4KB of ROM. It had RF video output to a TV, displaying 24 lines by 32 characters of monochrome text. An audio cassette recorder was used to save programs. The ZX-80 was sold in kit form for (pounds)79.95 or ready-built for (pounds)99.95. It was used by many UK hobbyists as a means of learning the basics of computing. Some remember the 1KB ZX-80 for the claim in its advertising that you could control a nuclear power station with it. The ZX-80 was succeeded by the ZX-81. (2002-08-30)
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