ZX80, the world’s smallest and cheapest computer at the time, which was to have a powerful impact on the manufacture and sale of personal computers in the UK, was introduced in February. Initially, it was only sold in a kit form for 79,95 British pounds.

The case fancied a membrane keyboard with signs (NEW, PRINT, RUN, etc.) that were unconventional in those days. This meant easy programming with BASIC contained in the 4KB ROM ? with every keystroke a command was written, then the checker would indicate errors in the code. Only one command could be entered in one line, which made the programme list really easy to overview.

Naturally, the machine also had serious drawbacks: the built-in BASIC interpreter could only deal with whole numbers in operations, while programmes could only be stored relying on a cassette tape recorder.

The ZX80 is less well-known than Sinclair machines to be released later. Approximately fifty thousand units were purchased, which is quite humble compared to the millions of units sold of the ZX81 and Spectrum. However, the ZX80 served as a model for the two hugely successful machines. By today the ZX80 has become an item much craved for by collectors.