Sharp Advert - February 1982
From Personal Computer World
First time on Earth - Sharp MZ-80B
Perhaps unique in laying claim to some sort of extra-terrestrial origin, comes this advert for the Sharp MZ-80B.
The "large" integrated screen had 320x300 pixel resolution and its processor was a Zilog Z80. It was a spin-off from the relatively popular[1] MZ-80K home computer series, launched in 1979, and was aimed at business.
Note the cunningly-disguised tape deck in the top-right corner of the machine, desperately trying to look like something way cooler.
Sister Mary Agnes and the first UK installation of the MZ-80B. From Personal Computer World, February 1982
In a continuation of the heavenly theme, the first UK installation of the MZ-80B was at the Notre Dame Convent in Cobham, Surrey. Personal Computer World's February 1982 issue even showed the school's headmistress - Sister Mary Agnes - at the keyboard[2].
Guy Kewney wrote in that issue's Newsprint that
"As a first it comes as a surprise, because dealers have been saying how nice the B is for so long I hadn't realised they weren't installed before."
Date created: 01 July 2012
Last updated: 12 October 2024
Sources
Text and otherwise-uncredited photos © nosher.net 2024. Dollar/GBP conversions, where used, assume $1.50 to £1. "Now" prices are calculated dynamically using average RPI per year.
