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That was an enjoyable read. The author got started on the US version of the British ZX81 computer. Horrible keyboard and version of Basic, but cutting all thos
by dcminter 6y ago
That was an enjoyable read.
The author got started on the US version of the British ZX81 computer. Horrible keyboard and version of Basic, but cutting all those corners to get the price down made an opportunity for a lot of people to get into computers at just the right moment!
- elvis70 6y agoAt least the US version had 2K of RAM.
- billti 6y agoIt was the device I started on. I think the limitation was part of its value. At age 11 I felt like I mastered it. I remembered the manual front to back. I could write assembly by “POKE”ing the OpCodes directly into memory. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and a desire to keep learning computers at an early age. Where to start and what to learn these days is almost overwhelming. It’s a good and a bad thing there is so much that is so accessible now.
- dcminter 6y agoOh don't get me wrong; I got my start on that machine too. I still have the manual on my bookshelf - and as a matter of fact I'm having this print framed at the moment: http://www.alisoneldred.com/john-harris/fine-art-prints-1/science-fiction-3/2508-zx81-sinclair-manual-cover/ http://www.alisoneldred.com/john-harris/fine-art-prints-1/sc... Just as you say, it feels as if I'd need another lifetime to get a comprehensive understanding of a single modern machine.