The Cambridge Computer Z88 is a small, lightweight, portable Z80-based computer with a built-in combined word processing/spreadsheet/database application called PipeDream along with several other applications and utilities.
The Z88 evolved from Sir Clive Sinclair’s Pandora portable computer project which had been under development at Sinclair Research during the mid-1980s.
Hardware
The Z88 is a portable computer weighing 2 lb, based on a low-power CMOS version of the Zilog Z80 microprocessor. It comes with 32KB of internal RAM and 128KB of ROM containing the operating system. Memory can be expanded up to 3.5MB of RAM, which is preserved across sessions. An integrated capacitor prevents the Z88 from losing its data for the limited time it takes to change the batteries.
The machine uses a membrane keyboard, which is almost silent in use. An optional electronic “click” can be turned on to indicate keystrokes. The Z88 is powered by four AA batteries, giving up to 20 hours of use. It has three memory card slots, which accommodate proprietary RAM, EPROM or flash cards, the third slot being equipped with a built-in EPROM programmer. Card capacities range from 32KB to 1MB.
The Z88 has a built-in eight-line, 64 ร 640 pixel LCD display.