Amstrad PCW 9512

Introduced in 1987, the Amstrad PCW 9512 refined Amstrad’s word-processing computer for users who wanted letter-quality output. It combined a 4 MHz Zilog Z80A processor and 512KB of RAM with a paper-white monochrome display, a 720KB 3-inch disk drive and a supplied daisy-wheel printer.

Locoscript 2 added spelling and mail-merge tools, while CP/M Plus retained access to business software. The quieter, sharper printer made the PCW 9512 especially attractive to professional writers and small offices.

Notable Features

• 512KB RAM and a 720KB double-sided 3-inch disk drive
• Paper-white monochrome display
• Locoscript 2 with spellchecking and mail merge
• Letter-quality daisy-wheel printer
• Parallel port for alternative printers

Historical Significance

• Premium successor to the PCW 8512
• Brought near-typeset print quality to an affordable integrated system
• Popular with writers and small offices

Collectors Notes

• Requires bootable system or Locoscript disks
• Drive belts and 3-inch media require checking
• Daisy wheels and ribbons are increasingly scarce
• Complete sets should retain the printer, keyboard and system disks

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Amstrad PCW 9512
Manufacturer	Amstrad
Launched	Thursday, January 1, 1987
Discontinued	1991
Launch Price	£499 plus VAT, including monitor, keyboard, daisy-wheel printer and software
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80A
Units Sold
Expansion	Parallel printer port and optional serial interface
Printer	Included letter-quality daisy-wheel printer
Storage	One built-in 720KB double-sided 3-inch floppy drive
Keyboard	Separate full-size keyboard with numeric keypad and function keys
Sound	Internal beeper
System Software	Locoscript 2 and CP/M Plus loaded from disk
RAM	512KB
Graphics	Monochrome bitmapped display generated in software
Display	720 × 256 paper-white monochrome display; 90 columns × 32 lines
CPU Speed	4 MHz