Timex Sinclair 2048 Prototype

The Timex Sinclair 2048 was the proposed 16KB member of the TS2000 family shown before the final Timex Sinclair 2068 reached production. It adapted the ZX Spectrum architecture with Timex's enhanced display logic and an integrated joystick interface.

Timex planned it as the lower-priced version of the new colour range, but the model was cancelled as the company consolidated development around the 48KB machine. The 2048 name later returned for a different production computer made by Timex Portugal.

Notable Features

• Planned 16KB entry model in the TS2000 development programme.
• Enhanced display logic included a 512 x 192 monochrome mode suitable for 80-column text.
• Kempston-compatible joystick input was integrated into the design.

Historical Significance

• Documents the path from Timex's early TS2000 demonstrations to the production TS2068.
• Its model number was later reused for the Portuguese TC2048, which had 48KB and a different commercial history.

Collector’s Notes

• Prototype specifications changed during development and surviving reports do not always describe the same revision.
• It should be distinguished from the released Timex Computer 2048.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Timex Sinclair 2048 Prototype
Manufacturer	Timex
Launched	Saturday, January 1, 1983
Country	United States
CPU	Zilog Z80A at 3.5 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Sinclair BASIC development firmware
I/O	RF/composite video, cassette, joystick and expansion connections
Keyboard	Prototype moving-key keyboard
Storage	External cassette recorder
Sound	Internal beeper
Graphics	256 x 192 colour and 512 x 192 monochrome modes
Display	32 x 24 text; planned 80-column monochrome mode
ROM	Development Sinclair BASIC ROM
RAM	16KB
CPU Speed	3.5 MHz