Amstrad PcW16

Introduced at the end of 1995, the Amstrad PcW16 was the final Amstrad word processor and a complete technical break from the earlier PCW family. It used a 16 MHz Z80-compatible processor, 1MB of RAM, a 640 × 480 monochrome display and a 1.44MB floppy drive in a redesigned all-in-one system.

The built-in Rosanne graphical environment provided word processing, spreadsheet, diary, address book, calculator and file-management applications. Although it could import Locoscript documents, it could not run the large CP/M software library available to earlier PCWs.

Notable Features

• 16 MHz Z80-compatible processor and 1MB RAM
• 640 × 480 monochrome VGA display
• Built-in Rosanne graphical operating environment
• Word processor, spreadsheet, diary, address book, calculator and file manager
• Standard 1.44MB 3.5-inch floppy drive for backup and exchange

Historical Significance

• Final model in Amstrad’s long-running PCW word-processor family
• Radically redesigned and incompatible with earlier CP/M applications
• Attempted to modernize the PCW concept with a graphical interface
• Limited software and competition from inexpensive PCs restricted its success

Collectors Notes

• PcW16 rescue and system disks are important for recovery
• Applications run from internal flash rather than directly from floppy disk
• Inspect the floppy drive and internal backup battery
• Optional Canon inkjet and OKI LED printer packages were sold

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Amstrad PcW16
Manufacturer	Amstrad
Launched	Sunday, January 1, 1995
Discontinued	1998
Launch Price	£299 plus VAT for the computer; printer packages cost extra
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80-compatible
Units Sold
Printer Support	Standard external printer support; sold with optional Canon or OKI printers
Compatibility	Can import some Locoscript documents but cannot run earlier PCW CP/M software
Storage	One built-in 1.44MB 3.5-inch floppy drive, primarily for files and backup
Software	Word processor, spreadsheet, address book, diary, calculator and file manager
Operating System	Rosanne single-task graphical environment
Flash Storage	Internal flash memory containing the operating system and applications
RAM	1MB
Graphics	Monochrome graphical user interface
Display	640 × 480 monochrome VGA display
CPU Speed	16 MHz