NC100
| NC100 | |
|---|---|
Amstrad NC100 Notepad Computer |
|
| Manufacturer | Amstrad |
| Sales start | 1992 |
| Technical specifications | |
| Mass storage | 256 KB ROM (expandable via PC card with a maximum of 1 MB) |
| processor | Z80 (4 MHz) |
| random access memory | 64 KB RAM |
| screen | LCD 480 × 64 pixels (80 characters, 8 lines) |
| Connectivity | |
|
connections |
RS232 serial interface, parallel interface, PC card connection |
| battery pack | |
| Type | Four AA batteries |
The Amstrad Notepad computer is from 1992 by the company Amstrad in three models (NC100, NC150, NC200) produced computer . The manufacturer emphasized ease of use as the main product feature.
In order to emphasize the ease of use, Amstrad President Alan Sugar addressed the user in a foreword in the manual. In it he wrote that even as the head of a computer manufacturer he had not yet been able to handle computers: "Yes - I am embarrassed to say that, as the Chairman of one of Europe's largest manufacturers of computers, I have never been able to use one!" His developers have therefore been commissioned to develop a device that he himself can handle.
Models
The Amstrad Notepad computers were manufactured in three different variations:
NC100 and NC150
These two models have a flat design like an Epson HX-20 or a Tandy TRS-80 Model 100 . The screen has no backlight. They have a PC card slot as an external storage medium with a maximum memory size of 1 MB. The NC150 model has the ROM version of the NC200.
NC200
This model has a hinged screen that not only has a higher resolution, but also a backlight that can be switched on. A 3.5 "floppy disk drive with an MS-DOS compatible file format is used as the storage medium .
Software equipment
The application programs (especially word processing with spell checker, calculator and organizer ) are permanently installed in the ROM and are actually easy to use, both according to the standards of 1992 and today's (2020) standards. This also contributes to the fact that no loading times are required for the operating system . The computer is ready for use as soon as it is switched on. The computer can be switched off in the middle of operation; all data is retained in the battery-backed RAM .
For higher performance requirements, the NC series can also be programmed with a full-fledged BBC- BASIC or in assembler . For remote data transfer is a terminal emulator available.
Technical specifications
- Z80 - processor , 64 KB RAM (NC150, NC200: 128 KB)
- Parallel and serial interface
- Slot for memory cards (PCMCIA,
- Battery-backed SRAM cards)
- Display with 480 × 64 (NC200: 480 × 128) pixels
- Battery operation with AA cells possible (running time approx. 40 hours)
- 3.5 "floppy disk drive (only NC200)
Web links
- Private homepage about the Amstrad NC series (English)
- Test report in ST magazine 08/93: "Amstrad Notepad: Small, strong & black"
Individual evidence
- ↑ Amstrad NC 100 Notepad Computer Manual. In: Amstrad. 1991, accessed March 29, 2020 .
- ^ Robin Nixon: The Amstrad Notepad Advanced User Guide . Robin Nixon, 1993, ISBN 978-1-85058-515-2 ( com.au [accessed March 29, 2020]).
- ^ Amstrad NC100. In: www.computinghistory.org.uk. Center for Computer History, accessed March 29, 2020 .
- ^ Amstrad NC200. In: computinghistory.org.uk. Center for Computer History, accessed March 29, 2020 .