Re-Creating the 1986 Amstrad PC User Experience | Retro Dream
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- Опубліковано 4 тра 2023
- Amstrad PCW, 1512, 1640, 2286 | The First Low-Cost PCs
The British electronics company Amstrad released a wide range of cheap but reliable products, including personal computers in the 1980s and early 1990s. First there was the CPC line, which began in 1984 with the CPC 464 and continued with the 6128. These machines were widely popular in Europe and tons of games were developed for them.
But the CPC was not Amstrad’s only success story: there was also the more professional, business-oriented range of computers, which we’ll review here. These were known for their affordability (they were cheaper than IBM PCs and other well-known compatibles), but also for their reliability and versatility. We’ll be discussing the Amstrad PCW, 1512, 1640, the 2000 line and beyond. - Розваги
Yep, loved my 1512 SD... I recall it cost my parents about $1500 with the printer and GEM desktop. Of course all my other software and games were copies from friends; Test Drive, Dam Busters, Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards, LOL. Oh I did get one original; 688 Attack Sub - Which ran so slow you couldn't really lose... Ahh, nostalgia. The good old days!
Those Were The Days :)
Thanks for sharing
Had the PC1640DD with ECD I loved so much many aspect of that computer!
The moment I saw the 2286 with F-19 running on the screen gave me goosepumps. That was our first family computer even though named 1286 in my homecountry it was the exact same spec with the only difference on the outside the different moniker (1286/40) and the power led in green rather red. I remember my parents spent a lot of money as they opted for the 12inch VGA monitor, 1MB of extended RAM, a TEAC 5.25 1.2MB floppy drive and even a 287 co-processor. I found it a couple of years ago rusting away in our basement and decided to restore it. Right now it looks like new and at the moment I'm trying to fix the monitor. Endless hours playing F-19, Indiana Jones and The Fate of Atlantis, Prince of Persia, Wing Commander, Elvira, Darkseed and so many other games I can't remember all. Thanks for the video, it puts a smile on my face everytime I see other Amstrad PCs still running and being taken care of.
By the way you need to check the horizontal and vertical size of your monitor's screen. It probably needs some calibration unless something has failed and it doesn't allow proper tune.
Thanks for your interest, and glad it reminded you of sweet memories!
That's the goal :)
These were lovely machines indeed. I cherished my 2286 above all. You're right, it has a video issue that needs fixing. I wish you can restore yours. Send a picture if you put it in order, it's always refreshing to see these good old machines being taken care of.
And if you liked F-19 you can check my dedicated video, it's mainly running on my PS/2 but there's a few Anstrad moments too!
Another coming soon for M1 Tank Platoon, my first game on the Amstrad PC. Cheers!..
@RetroDream will do! Just bugs me that the monitor is my obstacle in completing my restoration. No other monitor will suit the system. Oh well I've done so much work. Will not let it beat me. :)
Had the 1640 SD. Over the years added an adlib sound card, 3.5inch Double Density (720KB) floppy and a 30 MB hard card in one of the expansion slots. Final slot had a dual game port card. Finally retired it in 1996....
First MSDOS PC I worked with. It marks the beginning of a new era of IBM PC compatibles.
I had a PC1512 DD with two 5 1/4 floppy drives, mouse, keyboard, printer, color monitor and without hard drive. Great memories. In Spain AMSTRAD sold a lot of computers.
Greatings from Spain.
Thanks for sharing, Gus!
Yes indeed Amstrad sold a lot in Spain. Just like they did here in France.
Back down Memory Lane! I loved my Amstrad PC1640.
Glad we're on the same page ;)
My first computer was the 6128.
Always wanted a 1512 and a 386 later, but fortunately I got me an Amiga.
386 wasn't a so bad idea ;)
Regarding the PCW release price comparison to PC compatibles, it should be pointed out that while the PCW was good value at $800, the price difference to PC clones wasn't as extreme as with IBM's machine. IBM primarily targeted the business market and hence had prices to match but the popularity of cheaper clones like the Tandy 1000 in 1984 caused a huge drop in prices for PC systems aimed at home users. The Tandy 1000 was released at $1200 in 1984 and by 1987 it was possible to buy a basic turbo XT clone setup @ 8mhz for as little as $450. Clone systems were actually far more common than IBM systems by the 2nd half of the 80s but unfortunately, it seems a greater percentage got scrapped as home users upgraded whereas a lot of IBMs survived due to office equipment buyouts.
Absolutely right, good points here. The difference with clones wasn't so much, but still there was some. Thanks for your feedback!
@@RetroDreampre Doom-era clones such as the Amstrad line deserve a lot more love and recognition so it's great to see such a comprehension video made on the subject. Please keep up the good work. Oh and your 2nd channel is awesome too. Gamebooks and vintage computers; truly a man of fine culture.
Glad you also liked the other channel!
Not the same culture as now... Those were the days :)
I believe the PCW came with a printer too though, making it even better value
Very good!
Dude, you deserve way more views. We had a 1512 followed by a 1386 and then a 486 PC5000. The jump from CGA to VGA was mind boggling. And adding a CD-ROM and SoundBlaster 2 in 1991 just next level. Playing King's Quest V CD-ROM version in 1991 was about as state-of-the art as it got.
Thanks man. Indeed there's something wrong with views here ;)
But whatever, the important thing is that we were lucky enough to take part in these revolutions!
Growing up in the UK during the 80's, we'd not seen anything like the Amstrad PCW. Thanks to the price, they were everywhere, almost overnight.
Good to know, thanks for sharing. Indeed Amstrad found a market here
Very well done video, love the attention to detail and the depth of information in the diffrent models. Subscribed! Looking forward to your other content.
Welcome on board!
If you liked this one I'd love to know your thoughts about LOOM, the latest released video. Thanks for your interest.
Great work, thanks!
FYI there was an 8512 - double the RAM and a second floppy drive.
Wow, this is the most comprehensive review I've ever seen. I love it. Thank you.. new sub!!
Thank you Bryan, I appreciate!
Love the dual side by side half height floppies. Many fond memories of F19 as well
I can't help but notice that all your Amstrad are French version with the AZERTY keyboard and the French manuals. Mine was too. Thank you for the fantastic review. Cheers from Canada.
Cheers!
I know that these were quite popular in the UK but they were also sold in the US (the pc models).
Some of them were yes
@@RetroDream They were great machines for the money. Good value.
I remember shopping for PC parts as a kid and always noticing stuff for Amstrad with strange connectors.. now I know.
So this is what Doug from Stewi's school on family guy does now.
Glad you made no mention of Sugar's BS excuse about the hard drives.
What a coincidence. I pulled mine out 5 days ago. it has a failing 20MB HDD and i want to back it up which is a nightmare. any suggestions?
My HD is long gone
@@RetroDream all good i figured it out with serial cable and norton commander :)
scanlines!