Amstrad PPC 512
The Amstrad PPC512 and Amstrad PPC640 were the first portable IBM PC compatible computers made by Amstrad. Released in 1987, they were a development of the desktop PC-1512 and PC-1640 models.
Amstrad PPC512 | |
| Manufacturer | Amstrad |
|---|---|
| Type | Portable computer |
| Release date | 1987 |
| Introductory price | US$1,099 (equivalent to $2,831 in 2022) |
| Operating system | MS-DOS 3.3 |
| CPU | NEC V30 @ 8 MHz |
| Memory | 512KB (PPC512); 640KB (PPC640) |
| Storage | 3.5" floppy disk drives |
| Display | Monochrome non-backlit LCD; 640x200 resolution |
| Graphics | Monochrome Display Adapter, CGA |
| Sound | PC Speaker |
| Input | 102-key keyboard with numpad and function keys |
| Connectivity | RS-232, Centronics, 2400 baud modem (PPC640) |
| Dimensions | 4 x 17,5 x 9 inches |
| Mass | 12 lb (5.4 kg) |
| Backward compatibility | IBM PC compatible |
| Predecessor | PC-1512 |
As portable computers, they contained all the elements necessary to perform computing on the move. They had a keyboard and a monochrome LCD display built in and also had space for disposable batteries to power the PC where a suitable alternative power source (i.e. mains or 12 volt vehicle power) was not available. The PCs came with either one or two double density double side floppy disc drives and the PPC640 model also featured a modem.
Both models were supplied with PPC Organiser software and the PPC640 was additionally supplied with the Mirror II communications software.