Sinclair Research · 1981
Sinclair ZX81
Also sold as a £49.95 kit you soldered yourself. The 16 KB RAM pack wobbled if you breathed on it.
Then vs now
| Maker | Sinclair Research |
|---|---|
| Released | 1981 |
| Processor | Zilog Z80, 3.25 MHz |
| Memory | 1 KB |
| Storage | Cassette |
| Launch price | £69.95 |
| Big in | UK, 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 ZX81 come out?
The Sinclair ZX81 was released in 1981 by Sinclair Research.
How much did the Sinclair ZX81 cost when it was new?
About £69.95 for the base model at launch.
How much memory and speed did the Sinclair ZX81 have?
1 KB of memory and a Zilog Z80 processor at 3.25 MHz. A typical 2025 flagship phone has about 8.4 million times more memory.
How many people had the Sinclair ZX81 as their first computer?
Nobody has added it to the First Computer Atlas yet. If it was yours, add it.
Where was the Sinclair ZX81 popular?
It was especially popular in UK, Europe.
Can you still buy the Sinclair ZX81?
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.