View source for Amstrad PC1512

{{Short description|1986 PC-compatible microcomputer}}
{{refimprove|date=January 2022}}
{{Infobox computer
| Name = Amstrad PC1512
| Photo = Amstrad PC1512.jpg
| caption = Amstrad PC-1512 at National Museum of Computing, Bletchley Park, UK
| Type = [[Personal computer]]
| Released = 1986
| Discontinued = 
| Processor = [[Intel 8086]] @ 8&nbsp;MHz
| Memory = 512&nbsp;KB (expandable to 640&nbsp;KB)
| OS = [[MS-DOS]] 3.2 and [[DOS Plus]]
| price = [[Pound Sterling|£]]399 plus VAT
| dimensions = 372 × 284 × 135
| weight = 6.05 kg / 7.75 kg
| input = [[Keyboard (computing)|Keyboard]], [[Joystick]], Amstrad [[Mouse (computing)|mouse]], light pen
| manufacturer = [[Amstrad]]
| storage = 10 or 20&nbsp;MB HDD (optional)
| media = 
| aka = Schneider PC1512, PC1640, PC6400, Sinclair PC500
| memory card = 5¼-inch [[floppy disk]]s
| graphics = [[Color Graphics Adapter|CGA]] compatible
| display = BW or color monitor; 640×200 with 16 colors
| connectivity = [[RS232]], [[parallel port]]
| sound = [[PC speaker]]
| successor = [[Amstrad PC2286]]
}}

The '''Amstrad PC1512''' was [[Amstrad]]'s mostly [[IBM PC compatible|IBM PC-compatible]] computer system, launched in 1986,<ref name="practicalcomputing198611_moody">{{ cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/practical-computing/PracticalComputing-1986-11/page/58/mode/2up | title=Amstrad PC-1512 Sugar-Sweet Clone | magazine=Practical Computing | last1=Moody | first1=Glyn | date=November 1986 | access-date=16 July 2024 | pages=58–60 }}</ref> and advertised with prices from £399 plus VAT.<ref name="practicalcomputing198611_amstrad">{{ cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/practical-computing/PracticalComputing-1986-11/page/26/mode/2up | title=Compatible with you know who. Priced as only we know how. | magazine=Practical Computing | date=November 1986 | access-date=16 July 2024 | pages=26–27 }}</ref> The system was also marketed in the US by Texas-based Vidco Inc. from the start of 1987.<ref name="practicalcomputing198702_amstrad">{{ cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/practical-computing/PracticalComputing-1987-02/page/n16/mode/1up | title=Amstrad PC to be sold in the States | magazine=Practical Computing | date=February 1987 | access-date=16 July 2024 | pages=17 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=http://www.1000bit.it/ad/bro/amstrad/AmstradPC1512.pdf |title=PC1512 advert |publisher=Amstrad}}</ref> Later in 1987, a slightly updated version called the '''PC1640''' was introduced,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=PC-1512 and the Fall of Amstrad |url=https://www.i-programmer.info/history/machines/1364-alan-sugar-and-the-fall-of-amstrad.html?start=2 |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=www.i-programmer.info}}</ref> also marketed as the '''PC6400''' and '''Sinclair PC500'''.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2000 |title=General notes on Amstrad PCs |url=http://www.freetimeweb.nl/home/computer/alt/lawsons-amstrad-computer_site/web.ukonline.co.uk/cliff.lawson/general.htm#compat |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=Amstrad computer site}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Elliott |first=John |date=April 19, 2013 |title=Amstrad XTs: Models |url=https://www.seasip.info/AmstradXT/models.html#pc1512 |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=John Elliott's homepage}}</ref> [[Schneider Electric|Schneider]] branded machines for the [[Germany|German]] market were also sold.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Amstrad PC 1512SD - MCbx |url=https://oldcomputer.info/pc/ams1512/index.htm |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=oldcomputer.info}}</ref>

==Features==
Whereas [[IBM Personal Computer|IBM's PC]] (and almost all PC compatibles) had a [[Power supply unit (computer)|power supply]] in a corner of the main case, the PC1512's power supply was integrated with that of its [[Computer monitor|monitor]]. The monitor had sufficient venting to cool itself by [[convection]], instead of needing a fan. The PC1512 was therefore quieter than other PCs. Rumours circulated that an Amstrad PC would overheat, and while existing owners would note that this did not happen, new buyers were discouraged.<ref name=":0" /> As a result, later models had a cooling fan integrated into the main case.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://members.hellug.gr/vyruss/computing/FUD_essay.html |author=Dimitrios Angelakos |title=FUD – A Marketing Strategy in the Computer Industry|date=16 October 2005 }}</ref>  Another example of rumour was the suggestion that there were issues with the 'unshielded' power supply in the monitor affecting an optional hard drive that could be installed at the back of the base unit and further that this would be solved by taping tin foil or aluminum foil over the back of the base unit or the bottom of the monitor to shield the hard drive. 

The PC1512 shipped with one or two 360KB 5¼-inch [[Floppy disk|floppy drives]], and optionally a [[Hard disk drive|hard drive]] (10 or 20&nbsp;MB). The 5¼-inch floppy drive(s) could be replaced with 1.2 MB capacity versions. The machine was also marketed as the '''Sinclair PC500'''.<ref name=":2" />

Amstrad licensed both [[MS-DOS]] 3.2 and [[Digital Research]] [[DOS Plus]], which was largely compatible with MS-DOS and included some features from [[CP/M]] and the ability to read CP/M disks. Only one of these operating systems could be used at a time. They also licensed the [[GEM (desktop environment)|GEM]] [[windowing system]], which supported the customized [[Color Graphics Adapter|CGA]] hardware of the 1512.<ref>{{Cite web |title=PC-1512 and the Fall of Amstrad |url=https://www.i-programmer.info/history/machines/1364-alan-sugar-and-the-fall-of-amstrad.html?start=1 |access-date=2023-04-07 |website=www.i-programmer.info}}</ref>

In 1987 the PC1512 was followed by the '''PC1640,''' which had 640&nbsp;KB of RAM and an [[Enhanced Graphics Adapter|EGA]]-compatible graphics chipset, acquired from [[Paradise Systems]], integrated into the main board of the machine,<ref name="practicalcomputing198709_pc1640">{{ cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/practical-computing/PracticalComputing-1987-09/page/36/mode/2up | title=Amstrad PC-1640 Making Amends | magazine=Practical Computing | last1=Moody | first1=Glyn | date=September 1987 | access-date=16 July 2024 | pages=36–37 }}</ref><ref name=":2" /> although only the ECD model could display all EGA modes. The PC1640 also allowed replacing the internal graphics adapter with a [[Industry Standard Architecture|8-bit ISA]] [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]] graphics expansion board, which made it more versatile than the PC1512.{{citation needed | date=July 2024}}

Both the PC1512 and the PC1640 could be upgraded with a [[NEC V30]] CPU, that increased and added [[Intel 80186|80186 instruction set]] compatibility, and by adding an [[Intel]] [[8087]] [[floating-point unit|mathematical coprocessor]] (FPU). Upgraded with the FPU, the PC1512 and PC1640 did outperform later PC architectures (i.e. [[Intel 80286|80286]] w/o FPU) in numerical operations, which was highly useful for [[Computer-aided design|CAD]] and numerical calculations. [[Lotus 1-2-3]] and [[Matlab]] supported the 8087. A performance benchmarks as conducted with Checkit compares the different models and configurations of the PC1512 and PC1640, with that of a fast 80286. 

Amstrad also attempted to expand its market share by selling computers in the United States. In the US the PC1640 was marketed as the '''PC6400''' and included a 20 MB hard drive.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" />

==Reception==
[[File:Amstrad-benchmark.png|thumb|Performance benchmark of the Amstrad PC1512, PC1640 series]]
[[File:Amstrad PC1640HD20 (5).jpg|thumb|Amstrad PC1640 on display in Museo Almeriense de Retroinformática]]

The PC1512, and also its successor the PC1640, sold very well. Part of it was explained because the basic model (one floppy drive, no hard disk) launched for £399, which made it one of the first cheap PCs in Europe. This price, which initially increased to £450,<ref name="practicalcomputing198703_top10">{{ cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/practical-computing/PracticalComputing-1987-03/page/99/mode/1up | title=IBM Compatibles Top 10 | magazine=Practical Computing | last1=Barlow | first1=David | date=March 1987 | access-date=16 July 2024 | pages=99–101 }}</ref>{{rp|pages=100}} was restored in September 1987 amidst adjustments in Amstrad's PC range.<ref name="yourcomputer198711_amstrad">{{ cite magazine | url=https://archive.org/details/your-computer-magazine-1987-11/page/n5/mode/1up | title=Amstrad drops price of PC1512 by £50 | magazine=Your Computer | date=November 1987 | access-date=16 July 2024 | pages=6 }}</ref>

Second, its design was compact and visually appealing. With the exception of the fan in the PC1640's ECD monitor, both the PC1512 and the PC1640 were silent. This was a significant difference compared to the quite noisy PCs sold at the time. Although the Amstrad PC1512 and PC1640 had to compete against faster AT-type architectures at the time of their release, they were sufficiently powerful to run office software popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s, including [[WordPerfect]] 5.1, [[WordStar]], [[Microsoft Word]] 4 and 5 for DOS, the spreadsheet [[Lotus 1-2-3]], [[Matlab]], and the database program [[dBase]] III+ as well as [[Ashton-Tate]]'s [[Framework_(office_suite)|Framework II]] integrated office suite. The PC1512 and PC1640 were shipped with Digital Research's [[GEM (desktop environment)|GEM]] as a [[graphical shell]], but could run also [[Geoworks Ensemble]] (up to Version 2.1), and [[Microsoft Windows]] (up to Version 3.0, that did support a 'real mode').  
 
The PC1512 significantly helped open up the European PC market to consumers as well as businesses, and Amstrad's advertising of the PC1512 was aimed at homes rather than offices. The 1512's influence was such that the UK PC magazine ''[[PC Plus]]'' originally targeted itself at the "Amstrad PC 1512 and compatibles", since home ownership of other PCs at the time was rare.

The PC1512 shipped with 512&nbsp;KB of [[Random access memory|RAM]]; it could be upgraded to 640&nbsp;KB of RAM with 16 pieces of 4164-120 Dynamic RAM chips (64KBx1 per chip) and setting a jumper.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.z80.eu/blog/index.php?m=12&y=14&entry=entry141221-233000 |author=Peter's z80.eu site blog |title=RAM Upgrade Amstrad (Schneider) PC1512 from 512KB to 640KB}}</ref>  Video output was compatible with the [[Color Graphics Adapter|CGA]] standard, with an extension allowing all 16 colours to be used in the 640×200 graphics mode. The [[CPU]] of both the PC1512 and the later PC1640 was an 8&nbsp;MHz [[Intel 8086]], which was sufficient for playing ''[[The Secret of Monkey Island]]'', ''[[Maniac Mansion]]'' and ''[[Prince of Persia (1989 video game)|Prince of Persia]]''. The power supply was located in the monitor, which made upgrading difficult. 

The [[input device]]s supplied with the machine were notable.  The mouse was an Amstrad Mouse, which was incompatible with serial mice common at the time.  It was supported by some games, including ''[[Elite (video game)|Elite]]'', but many DOS programs had problems with it.  The keyboard sported an [[Atari_joystick_port|Atari-compatible]] [[joystick]] port for digital joysticks.  Joystick movements and buttons were mapped to unused keyboard codes, allowing the joystick to be used in many DOS games that were written for keyboard control.

The series was somewhat unusual for the fact that it had a physical volume control on the [[PC speaker|internal speaker]].  This allowed the user to make the machine beep quietly, or silently, from boot time onwards.  This innovation is still not present in most modern PCs: the legacy beeper is typically still a fixed-volume device.

==Specifications==
[[File:Schneider Amstrad PC 1512 DD White BG.jpg|thumb|[[Schneider Rundfunkwerke AG|Schneider]]-badged version of the Amstrad 1512 DD]]
[[File:Amstrad PC-1512 - Retrosystems 2010.jpg|thumb|Amstrad PC-1512 DD on display at Retrosystems 2010]]
General hardware specifications of the PC1512:
* Available as choice of one or two 360&nbsp;KB 5¼-inch floppy disks drives or one floppy disk drive with a 10 or 20 MB hard disk drive.
* Hard disk version, supplied with an extra floppy disk and manual backup and restore utilities
* PC1512 CGA display with extra 640×200 16 colour mode. PC1640: CGA, EGA, Hercules mode, plus possibility to add an 8-bit ISA VGA board.
* Colour or monochrome monitors. Monochrome monitor displays CGA in [[greyscale]], not compatible with more usual [[hercules Graphics Card|Hercules]] mono display.
* Motherboard includes [[RS232c]] [[serial port|serial]] and [[parallel port]]
* Loudspeaker with volume control ([[PC speaker]], not sound card)
* Battery-backed [[real-time clock]] and configuration RAM
* Socket for [[8087]] [[math co-processor]]. 
* Connector for [[light pen]]
* Full size [[QWERTY]] keyboard with [[Atari joystick port]]
* Two button mouse with dedicated port on system unit
* Microsoft compatible mouse [[device driver|driver]]
* Three full-length [[PC/XT]]-bus ISA expansion slots – these were accessed through top and side panels with thumb-push locks meaning expansion cards could be added without use of a screwdriver.

==Supplied software==
Four disks were supplied with floppy models, five with hard drive models.

* [[Microsoft]] [[MS-DOS 3.2]] [[operating system]]
* [[Graphics Environment Manager|Digital Research GEM (Graphics Environment Manager) plus GEM Desktop]]
* Digital Research GEM Paint
* Digital Research DOS Plus (runs MS-DOS and [[CP/M-86]] applications)
* GEM-based Locomotive BASIC 2

The system was also bundled with the Amstrad PC Games Collection, which included four games: ''[[Bruce Lee (video game)|Bruce Lee]]'', ''[[The Dam Busters (video game)|The Dam Busters]]'', ''[[Tag Team Wrestling]]'' and ''[[Psi-5 Trading Company]]''. These came on three floppy disks, contained in a plastic clamshell case.

==Dimensions==
* PC1512SD System Unit 372 W 284 D 135 H 6.05&nbsp;kg
* PC1512DD System Unit 372 W 284 D 135 H 7.75&nbsp;kg

* PC MM Monochrome monitor 350W 300 D 315H 7.43&nbsp;kg
* PC CM Colour Monitor 372W 365D 330H  11.6&nbsp;kg

==Accessories==
;Printer
Amstrad launched the Amstrad DMP3000 printer, which was an 80-character [[dot matrix printer]] with both IBM and [[Epson]] compatibility that boasted [[NLQ]] (Near Letter Quality) and could handle both [[ISO 216|A4]] and [[Continuous stationery|fanfold]] paper. It connected to the computer via a parallel port.

;Modem
Amstrad also launched the SM2400 [[modem]], which was a quad-speed dial-up modem that boasted speeds of up to 2,400&nbsp;[[baud]]. It was an internal ISA modem. It was encased in plastic and could fit into Amstrad PC1512 and PC1640.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080712084203/http://www.old-computers.com/MUSEUM/computer.asp?c=183 More information on the Amstrad PC1512] (includes image)
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20101121034310/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=19 More information on the Amstrad PC1640] (includes image)

{{Amstrad}}

[[Category:Amstrad computers|PC1512]]
[[Category:IBM PC compatibles]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1986]]