Sord M23 Mark III

The Sord M23 Mark III was a modular business microcomputer designed around Sord’s software-led approach to office computing. Its Z80A processor, 128KB of banked memory and twin floppy drives provided a capable platform for the PIPS integrated business suite.

A choice of monochrome or colour displays, optional graphics and an arithmetic processor let buyers tailor the M23 to commercial or technical work. CP/M compatibility also opened access to a broader library of software.

Notable Features

• Large 128KB memory for a Z80 system, managed through bank switching.
• Two cartridge slots and optional AMD Am9511 arithmetic processor.
• Closely associated with Sord’s PIPS integrated business software.

Historical Significance

• PIPS combined spreadsheet, database and word-processing ideas before integrated suites became commonplace.
• The M23 family became one of Sord’s best-known professional computer ranges.

Collector’s Notes

• Mark revisions and regional versions may differ in cabinet, monitor and disk configuration.
• Original PIPS software and cartridges are particularly significant additions to a surviving system.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sord M23 Mark III
Manufacturer	Sord Computer Corporation
Launched	Thursday, January 1, 1981
Discontinued	Mid-1980s
Country	Japan
CPU	Zilog Z80A at 4 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Sord OS; CP/M 2.2; PIPS applications
I/O	Two serial ports, parallel port, two cartridge slots and expansion
Keyboard	Separate 94-key keyboard
Storage	Two 5.25-inch 330KB floppy drives
Sound	Internal beeper
Graphics	Optional bitmap colour graphics
Display	Green or colour monitor, 80x24 text
ROM	4KB
RAM	128KB
CPU Speed	4 MHz