The next Spectrum revision came out after the +3 (disk drive model). This was the new +2A - exactly the same as the +3 but with a tape recorder instead of a disk drive, as well as some other minor differences. The first obvious difference is the colour - same as the +3 and back to the trusty Sinclair black. Second difference would be the inclusion of a RAM drive, which could be used to store programs in memory and called from 128 BASIC.

This was my first Spectrum after the original 48k and it was quite a step-up with a more professional feel to it, as well as taking up much more desk space. The power supply was huge though, and like the other ones quite hot to touch.

The operating system also included a RAM drive. Accessed in basic by M:, it could be used to store short programs that would load and save instantly and was useful for copying and pasting program listings into.

Like the other models, all games and accessories were mostly compatible, and the machine didn't look half bad. The only minor criticism would be that sometimes it can be difficult to tune the system in to get perfect sound on your tv, but most later models would suffer from this.

SPECIFICATIONS

CPU Zilog Z80A
SPEED 3.5469 Mhz
RAM 128k
ROM 64k (Contains operating systems and BASIC)
SOUND 3 channels, 8 octaves
GRAPHICS 256 x 192 resolution
COLOURS 8 (16 using differing levels of brightness)
DIMENSIONS 44 x 17.5 x 5.5cm
WEIGHT 1525g
I/O PORTS Expansion port at rear, RF video out, ear/mic,
RS232/MIDI, RGB, keypad, parallel printer,
audio out, 2 joystick ports, AUX port
PSU 5V @ 2A, +12V @ 200mA, -12V @ 50mA
PRICE £200