Sinclair Pandora Prototype

Pandora was Sinclair Research's long-running portable-computer project, combining Spectrum compatibility with an integral monochrome flat-screen display. Contemporary prototypes used an optical arrangement of mirrors and lenses to enlarge the image from Sinclair's compact flat cathode-ray-tube technology.

The proposed machine included a faster Z80, a built-in Microdrive and a new 512 x 192 monochrome mode. Amstrad cancelled the project after acquiring Sinclair's computer business, but its portable-product ambitions later influenced the Cambridge Computer Z88.

Notable Features

• Integral flat-screen CRT used folded optics to create a usable viewing area.
• Planned 512 x 192 monochrome mode supported denser portable text.
• Built-in Microdrive was intended to provide compact removable storage.

Historical Significance

• A physical expression of Clive Sinclair's long-standing ambition to build a portable computer.
• Design ideas and personnel continued into the battery-powered Cambridge Z88.

Collector’s Notes

• Different mock-ups and development prototypes reflect several years of changing plans.
• Pandora should not be described as a near-production Z88; the latter used an LCD and substantially different hardware.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sinclair Pandora Prototype
Manufacturer	Sinclair Research Ltd
Launched	Wednesday, January 1, 1986
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Zilog Z80-compatible processor
Units Sold
Operating System	Spectrum-compatible firmware with CP/M capability considered
I/O	Display, cassette/serial and expansion connections under development
Keyboard	Integrated portable keyboard
Storage	Built-in ZX Microdrive proposed
Sound	Prototype beeper/audio system
Graphics	Up to 512 x 192 monochrome graphics proposed
Display	Portable monochrome text display
ROM	Spectrum-compatible development firmware
RAM	Prototype-dependent; at least 64KB planned
CPU Speed	Prototype Z80-compatible processor