Research Machines LINK 480Z | TechMuseum
Year of manufacture: 1981
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: Zilog Z80A, 4 MHz
- RAM: 32 to 256 KB
- FDD: Floppy disk 5″
- HDD: –
- Audio: Speaker
- Connectors/Ports: RGB, two serial, composite, parallel, analog, cassette tape, network
- Case: Keyboard type
- Monitor: Color
- OS: CP/M or Microsoft BASIC
The Research Machines LINK 480Z features a Zilog Z80A processor at 4 MHz and memory of 32 up to 256kB. Equipped with a floppy disk of 5” it ran with the operating system of the CP/M or BASIC version.
The 8-bit computer series from the Research Machines Education corporation targeted the educational market. With specialty in providing information technology products and services, RM Education provided equipment to educational institutions. Strongest rival in this market was the Acorn Computers at that time.
The company met medium success, but over the years proved unable to take over grand projects. It wasn’t economically feasible for RM to complete projects in short time in a low price. Sales plunged in the 2010s and revenues decreased. The UK government announced cuts in educational establishments and cuts in budget and personnel followed. Eventually, in 2013 the manufacturer decided to cease production in the computer division altogether.
That was just a snapshot on the presentation of the techmuseum series. Indulge more into the history. Continue reading more about the present model, the Research Machines LINK 480Z here.
PC.GR
The history of personal computers
Explore this exhibit with the video guide, which opens the PC.gr presentation in a video window.