Amstrad PPC512

Released in 1987, the Amstrad PPC512 was Amstrad’s first portable IBM PC-compatible computer. Its folding case combined an 8 MHz NEC V30 processor, 512KB of RAM, a full-size keyboard, a 640 × 200 LCD and a 720KB 3.5-inch floppy drive.

The PPC512 was better described as a transportable computer than a laptop: it weighed 5.4kg before batteries and could consume ten C cells. It ran MS-DOS 3.3 and included PPC Organizer software, with connections for an external monitor, printer and serial devices.

Notable Features

• 8 MHz NEC V30 processor compatible with 8086 software
• Full-size 102-key keyboard folded over the LCD for transport
• 640 × 200 non-backlit supertwist LCD
• One or two 720KB 3.5-inch floppy drives depending on configuration
• Could run from mains, vehicle power or ten C batteries

Historical Significance

• Amstrad’s first portable IBM PC compatible
• Targeted travelling professionals who could connect a monitor at their destination
• Offered a full desktop-style keyboard in a transportable package

Collectors Notes

• The LCD is dim by modern standards and depends heavily on viewing angle
• Battery compartments must be inspected carefully for leakage
• Original power supplies and machine-specific boot disks are valuable
• At 5.4kg before batteries it is a luggable rather than a modern laptop

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Amstrad PPC512
Manufacturer	Amstrad
Launched	Thursday, January 1, 1987
Discontinued	Circa 1990
Launch Price	£399
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	NEC V30
Units Sold
Power	AC or vehicle adapter, compatible Amstrad monitor, or ten C batteries
Expansion	RS-232 serial, Centronics parallel, external monitor and expansion connectors
Storage	One or two 720KB 3.5-inch floppy drives, depending on model
Keyboard	Full-size 102-key keyboard with numeric keypad and function keys
Operating System	MS-DOS 3.3 with PPC Organizer
ROM	16KB system ROM
RAM	512KB plus 64KB video RAM
Graphics	MDA and CGA-compatible output; external colour monitor support
Display	640 × 200 monochrome non-backlit supertwist LCD
CPU Speed	8 MHz