Amstrad PCW 9256

Released in 1991, the Amstrad PCW 9256 modernized Amstrad’s affordable word-processing range with a redesigned case and a standard 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. It retained the dependable 4 MHz Zilog Z80A processor and 256KB of RAM, pairing them with a paper-white monitor, Locoscript and a matching dot-matrix printer.

The move to 720KB 3.5-inch disks made media easier to obtain and exchange than the earlier 3-inch format. At £349 plus VAT, the PCW 9256 continued Amstrad’s emphasis on a complete, ready-to-use writing system.

Notable Features

• 256KB RAM and standard 720KB 3.5-inch disk storage
• Paper-white monochrome display
• Locoscript word-processing software
• Matching dot-matrix printer
• Compact redesigned system styling

Historical Significance

• Updated the successful PCW concept for readily available 3.5-inch media
• Continued to offer a complete writing system at a low price
• Kept the mature CP/M and Locoscript software base in use into the 1990s

Collectors Notes

• Requires bootable system or Locoscript disks
• Inspect the floppy drive and printer feed mechanism
• The monitor contains the computer electronics and power supply
• Complete systems include keyboard, printer, cables and software

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Amstrad PCW 9256
Manufacturer	Amstrad
Launched	Tuesday, January 1, 1991
Discontinued	1993
Launch Price	£349 plus VAT, including monitor, keyboard, printer and software
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80A
Units Sold
Expansion	Printer connection; model has no standard parallel printer port
Printer	Included matching dot-matrix printer
Storage	One built-in 720KB 3.5-inch floppy drive
Keyboard	Separate full-size keyboard with numeric keypad and function keys
Sound	Internal beeper
System Software	Locoscript and CP/M Plus loaded from disk
RAM	256KB
Graphics	Monochrome bitmapped display generated in software
Display	720 × 256 paper-white monochrome display; 90 columns × 32 lines
CPU Speed	4 MHz