Enterprise 64

The Enterprise 64 was a technically ambitious British home computer built around a Z80A processor and two custom chips called Nick and Dave. Nick generated flexible high-resolution colour graphics, while Dave handled sound, memory paging and much of the input and output.

Its distinctive case combined colour-coded function keys with a built-in joystick. Delays meant that the machine arrived in 1985 rather than the originally planned 1984 launch, by which time strong competition and the transition toward 16-bit computers made success difficult.

Notable Features

• Nick video chip supported programmable display modes and up to 256 colours.
• Dave chip combined three-channel sound, noise, memory paging and I/O control.
• Built-in word processor was available when the IS-BASIC cartridge was not installed.

Historical Significance

• One of the most technically advanced British 8-bit home-computer designs.
• Launch delays turned an exceptional specification into a difficult commercial proposition.

Collector’s Notes

• Enterprise 64 and 128 models share the same distinctive enclosure, so the model badge and memory should be checked.
• Original IS-BASIC cartridge, power supply and unusual monitor cable are useful parts of a complete system.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Enterprise 64
Manufacturer	Enterprise
Launched	Tuesday, January 1, 1985
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80A at 4 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	EXOS with built-in word processor; IS-BASIC cartridge; EXDOS with disk hardware
I/O	RGB, RF, cassette, printer, serial/network, two joystick, cartridge and expansion connectors
Keyboard	Integrated full-travel keyboard with colour-coded function keys and built-in joystick
Storage	Cassette; optional EXDOS floppy-disk system
Sound	Dave ASIC, three tone channels plus noise and stereo output
Graphics	Nick ASIC, up to 672 x 256 pixels and 256 colours depending on mode
Display	Programmable text modes including 40- and 80-column displays
ROM	EXOS system ROM with built-in word processor; IS-BASIC supplied on cartridge
RAM	64KB; architecture expandable through banked memory
CPU Speed	4 MHz