Research Machines 380Z | TechMuseum
Year of manufacture: 1977
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: Zilog Z80A, 4 MHz
- RAM: 4 to 56 KB
- FDD: One or two Floppy disk 5.25″
- HDD: –
- Audio: –
- Connectors/Ports: Parallel, TV, video, tape
- Case: Keyboard type
- Monitor: Color or Monochrome
- OS: CP/M
The Research Machines 380Z features a Zilog Z80A processor at 4 MHz and memory of 4 up to 56kB. Equipped with up to two floppy disks of 5.25” it ran with the operating system of the CP/M version.
The 8-bit computer series from the Research Machines Education corporation targeted the educational market. With specialty in information technology products and services, RM Education provided equipment to educational institutions. Strongest competitor 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 380Z here. Alternatively, find more exciting stories like this one here.
Author: PC-GR
The World of Technology
