Sinclair Research · 1982
Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K
Rubber keys, colour graphics and thousands of games, many written in teenagers' bedrooms.
Then vs now
| Maker | Sinclair Research |
|---|---|
| Released | 1982 |
| Processor | Zilog Z80A, 3.5 MHz |
| Memory | 48 KB |
| Storage | Cassette |
| Launch price | £175 |
| Big in | UK, Spain, Eastern Europe |
Launch price is for the base model in its home market and is approximate. US prices adjusted with the US Consumer Price Index (BLS).
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Where people started on one
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Questions and answers
When did the Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K come out?
The Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K was released in 1982 by Sinclair Research.
How much did the Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K cost when it was new?
About £175 for the base model at launch.
How much memory and speed did the Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K have?
48 KB of memory and a Zilog Z80A processor at 3.5 MHz. A typical 2025 flagship phone has about 174,763 times more memory.
How many people had the Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K as their first computer?
Nobody has added it to the First Computer Atlas yet. If it was yours, add it.
Where was the Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K popular?
It was especially popular in UK, Spain, Eastern Europe.
Can you still buy the Sinclair ZX Spectrum 48K?
Only second-hand. Working units turn up on eBay and at retro computing fairs; boxed, tested machines cost the most. Check sold listings rather than asking prices to judge what one is worth.