Altos Advert - September 1982
From Practical Computing
The complete multi-purpose, multi-terminal desktop computer system for business
After several years selling the same ACS 8000 system, Altos is finally out with something new: the Series 5.
And whilst one of the company's earliest adverts featured its micro stuck on a table with the family silver arranged around it, this one raises the bar by using a packing-crate theme that probably took some time to set up, even though wood shavings are the last thing you'd want to pack a computer in.
The Series 5 was Z80 based and ran either CP/M, OASIS, or the multi-user MP/M II operating systems.
Two models are mentioned in the advert: the Series 5-5D came with a Z80A, 192K of RAM, a 1MB floppy and a 5MB micro-Winchester disk, or "mini winnie" as Practical Computing liked to call them.
Also mentioned is the Series 5-15D, which - unusually for a higher number - is a lower-specified machine with only two floppy-disk drives.
The 5-5D, which also supported up to three "smart terminals" and a printer retailed for £4,400, which is about £21,800 in 2026, whilst the 5-15D sold for £2,200, or about £10,900 now.
Date created: 20 February 2026
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Text and otherwise-uncredited photos © nosher.net 2026. Dollar/GBP conversions, where used, assume $1.50 to £1. "Now" prices are calculated dynamically using average RPI per year.
