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Notes |
Manufacturer |
Acorn Computers Ltd (UK) |
Model |
Electron |
Date Launched |
September 1983 |
Price |
£200 |
Microprocessor type |
MOSTEK 6502A @ 2 MHz |
ROM size |
32 kilobytes |
Standard RAM |
32 kilobytes |
Maximum RAM |
32 kilobytes |
Keyboard type |
Typewriter style |
Supplied language |
BBC BASIC, a fast and structured version of the language |
Text resolution |
Various combinations up to 80 x 32 characters |
Graphics resolution |
Various sizes up to 640 x 256 pixels |
Colours available |
16 |
Example Screenshot |
|
Sound |
Single channel through internal speaker |
Cassette load speed |
1200 baud |
Dimensions (mm) |
340 x 160 x 65 |
Special features |
Single stroke entry of BASIC words by holding down a function key. |
Good points |
Could run most but not all software written for the BBC Model B. |
Bad points |
Could have as little as 10 KB of RAM left for programs when using high resolution graphics. |
How successful? |
Manufacturing delays meant the Electron was not widely available for the crucial Christmas 1983 sales. |
Comments |
Acorn's BBC Model B was selling well to schools and the richer home users but at £400 was too dear for mass appeal. |
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