Cambridge Z88

The Cambridge Z88 was a lightweight notebook computer developed by Cambridge Computer under Sir Clive Sinclair. Its silent, low-power design combined a wide LCD, membrane keyboard and long battery life in a slim A4-sized case.

The built-in OZ operating system supplied PipeDream word processing and spreadsheet software, BBC BASIC, a diary, calculator and terminal. Three front-accessible slots accepted RAM, ROM and EPROM cards, allowing documents and applications to travel with the machine.

Notable Features

• A4-sized notebook weighed under one kilogram and ran quietly from four AA batteries.
• Wide 640 x 64 LCD displayed eight lines with a preview map at the side.
• Three card slots accepted memory and software cartridges, including erasable EPROM storage.

Historical Significance

• Marked Clive Sinclair’s return to personal computers after Sinclair Research’s computer business passed to Amstrad.
• Anticipated the practical electronic organiser and word-processing notebook.

Collector’s Notes

• The keyboard membrane and LCD ribbon connections are common age-related concerns.
• Original EPROM cards require ultraviolet erasure equipment; modern flash replacements are available.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Cambridge Z88
Manufacturer	Cambridge Computer Ltd
Launched	Thursday, January 1, 1987
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80-compatible CMOS processor at 3.2768 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	OZ with PipeDream, BBC BASIC, diary, calculator and terminal
I/O	Three card slots, serial expansion connector and optional RS-232 interface
Keyboard	Integrated quiet membrane keyboard
Storage	Battery-backed RAM and ROM/EPROM memory cards
Sound	Piezoelectric beeper
Graphics	Monochrome LCD graphics
Display	640 x 64 monochrome LCD; 8 lines of text plus status and map areas
ROM	128KB containing OZ applications and operating system
RAM	32KB built in; expandable to 4MB through card slots
CPU Speed	3.2768 MHz