Sinclair Research
1979 Clive Sinclair set up Sinclair Research
1980 Launched the ZX80 personal microcomputer which sold for £100; it did not include a display unit and used a separate cassette recorder to store programs[1]. The company would pursue development of the microcomputer, a flat tube television display, a novel electric motor and a new electronic instrument.
1981 Launched a flat screen television; manufacturing would be at Timex's plant in Dundee[2]; the Microvision TV with FM radio was due to be ready for sale in 1982.
1982 The ZX81 was said to be the best selling computer ever[3]. Timex Corporation was given full rights to manufacture it and sell it in the USA[4]. Another computer was launched, the ZX Spectrum[5]. Plans to float a fraction of the equity[6]. Thorn EMI was subcontracted to manufacture ZX Spectrum computers[7]
1983 Private sale by Clive Sinclair of 10 percent of the company to raise funds for further development of the electric car[8]. Announced £2M funding for incubator Metalab in Cambridge[9]. Launched new flat screen television[10]
1984 Offered the new QL computer, serving the top-end of the educational market, which was made under contract by Thorn EMI at Feltham[11]
1985 Having suffered substantial losses because of over-stocking, Sinclair Research was offered a bail-out by Robert Maxwell's Hollis plc; Clive Sinclair would step aside to become life president[12]. But this deal failed and instead a deal with retailers Dixons was announced[13].
1986 After substantial losses, the manufacturing and marketing rights for the computer were sold to competitor Amstrad[14]
1997 Offered a belt drive system for battery-assisted bicycles[15]
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ The Times, Jan 30, 1980
- ↑ The Times, Feb 19, 1981
- ↑ The Times, Jan 14, 1982
- ↑ The Times Feb 13, 1982
- ↑ The Times, Apr 24, 1982
- ↑ The Times Jun 28, 1982
- ↑ The Times, Nov 01, 1982
- ↑ The Times, Jan 25, 1983
- ↑ The Times, May 31, 1983
- ↑ The Times, Sep 17, 1983
- ↑ The Times, Jan 09, 1984
- ↑ The Times, Jun 17, 1985
- ↑ The Times (London, England), Saturday, Aug 10, 1985
- ↑ The Times, April 08, 1986
- ↑ The Times, September 27, 1997