Oric-1

The Oric-1 was a British colour home computer created to compete directly with the Sinclair ZX Spectrum. It combined a 6502 processor with Microsoft-derived BASIC, high-resolution colour graphics, an AY sound generator and a built-in loudspeaker.

Sold in 16KB and 48KB versions, the Oric offered a real typewriter-style keyboard at a competitive price. Early ROM and cassette-loading problems affected its reputation, but strong sales in Britain and especially France established a lasting software community.

Notable Features

• AY-3-8912 sound chip supplied three tone channels and noise through a built-in speaker.
• High-resolution 240 x 200 display supported eight colours through attribute control.
• 16KB and 48KB configurations shared the same compact white case.

Historical Significance

• Tangerine’s first mass-market home computer and an important British challenger to the ZX Spectrum.
• Achieved particular popularity in France, where the Oric community remained active.

Collector’s Notes

• The 16KB machine uses a different board and is unsuitable for normal disk expansion.
• ROM 1.0 bugs and cassette reliability are authentic limitations of the original model.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Oric-1
Manufacturer	Oric Products International
Launched	Saturday, January 1, 1983
Launch Price	£129 16KB; £169 48KB
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	MOS Technology 6502A at 1 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Oric BASIC 1.0; Oric DOS variants with disk hardware
I/O	Cassette, printer, RGB, RF, expansion and audio
Keyboard	Integrated 57-key moving-key keyboard
Storage	Cassette at 300 or 2400 baud; optional Microdisc floppy
Sound	AY-3-8912 three-channel sound plus noise and internal speaker
Graphics	240 x 200 pixels in eight colours
Display	40 x 28 text with colour attributes
ROM	16KB containing Oric BASIC 1.0 and system ROM
RAM	16KB or 48KB
CPU Speed	1 MHz