Apricot XEN

The Apricot XEN was a compact 80286 business workstation developed to challenge the IBM PC AT. Announced under the code name Candyfloss, it placed substantial processing power, storage and expansion in a smaller and more carefully designed enclosure than many contemporary AT-class machines.

Apricot combined MS-DOS compatibility with Microsoft Windows and its own established business software environment. The XEN marked the end of the company’s distinct pre-compatible lineage and the beginning of a more standards-oriented professional range.

Notable Features

• 80286 processor and optional 80287 coprocessor targeted demanding business applications.
• Compact modular enclosure was designed around smaller 3.5-inch media.
• Promoted with Microsoft Windows as a high-end graphical business workstation.

Historical Significance

• Apricot’s answer to the IBM PC AT and the last major design before full IBM compatibility dominated its range.
• Introduced in the same year ACT adopted Apricot Computers as its company name.

Collector’s Notes

• XEN configurations varied in RAM, disk capacity and display adapter.
• Original keyboard, monitor, drive caddies and Apricot installation media are useful for an authentic restoration.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Apricot XEN
Manufacturer	Apricot Computers
Launched	Tuesday, October 1, 1985
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Intel 80286
Units Sold
Operating System	MS-DOS and Microsoft Windows 1.x
I/O	Serial, parallel and internal expansion; optional 80287
Keyboard	Detached full-travel keyboard
Storage	3.5-inch floppy with internal hard-disk options
Sound	Internal speaker
Graphics	High-resolution business graphics; adapter varied by configuration
Display	External monochrome or colour monitor
ROM	XEN system firmware
RAM	Typically 512KB or 1MB; expandable
CPU Speed	Model-dependent 80286 clock