The Research Machines Linx 480Z

The 480Z is the baby brother of the 380Z. It runs a cassette based Z80A system and has a minimum 32k of RAM with a 8K monitor ROM . The system is keyboard based and has 65 typewriter style keys with four cursor controls and four user definable keys.  There are two display modes, 80 x 24 using 1Vpp video and 40 x 24 using UHF TV output.

Two graphics modes are available, 160 x 72 single-tone or 80 x 72 two-tone. Two cassette interface standards are available and the unit has an integral loudspeaker. One eight bit parallel and one RS232C ports are standard, with a joystick or bush button and analogue input and output. The ROM can be upgraded to 16k allowing 16k BASIC in ROM to be used (as on the above model)

Expansion options allows 640 x 192 monochrome, 320 x 192 - four colour - and 160 x 95 - eight colour graphics. The RAM can be expanded to 64k and an IEEE 488 interface was under development when the article that this information was taken from was published. Research Machines were also working on a memory expansion module allowing 256k of RAM and network facility. the 480Z is upwards compatible with the 380Z.

The unit I have also has a 51/4" disk drive the price of the basic unit was in the region of £550 + VAT (Value Added Tax)