Zx Spectrum Next or a 128?

A place to discuss the ZX80's and ZX81's younger brother - the Sinclair ZX Spectrum
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Crayon21
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Zx Spectrum Next or a 128?

Post by Crayon21 »

I have about $400 and was wondering, should I get a ZX Spectrum Next or a 128? What are the shipping costs to the US when converted from Pounds to USD?

Might get one, might not.

Thoughts?
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drink nothing but a cocktail of The Last Dab and Mexican Cake blended and served with
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Paul
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Re: Zx Spectrum Next or a 128?

Post by Paul »

I own a spectrum next. It's a very beautiful machine and I wouldn't want to miss it.
From the usage experience there isn't much difference between a spectrum plus and a 128k.
Therefore I have a Harlekin 128 in a plus case with a 3d printed heatsink attached :ugeek:
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Spinnetti
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Re: Zx Spectrum Next or a 128?

Post by Spinnetti »

Shipping is expensive. Plenty of online currency calculators ;) What's special about the 128? The Plus is pretty cheap. The Next is something else entirely, though good luck getting one!
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1024MAK
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Re: Zx Spectrum Next or a 128?

Post by 1024MAK »

The following models were produced for the U.K. market:
  • ZX Spectrum 16K (rubber key)
  • ZX Spectrum 48K (rubber key)
  • ZX Spectrum+ (48K)
  • Upgrade kit for a rubber key to convert it to a ZX Spectrum+. I mention this because it was possible to build a ZX Spectrum+ with only 16k bytes of memory.
  • ZX Spectrum 128K - case and keyboard are similar to that of a ZX Spectrum+. Expensive on the second hand market as demand outstrips supply, these were not built in great numbers.
  • ZX Spectrum +2 (grey) - made by Amstrad. Is basically a ZX Spectrum 128K with a redesigned PCB, in a new case with better keyboard and build-in tape deck. Often demand less money on the second hand market compared to a ZX Spectrum 128K. The most compatible of the Amstrad made models.
  • ZX Spectrum +2A (black) and ZX Spectrum +2A (black) - Is a new version and has different internal circuitry compared to earlier models. Has a build-in tape deck. Is not completely compatible with earlier 128K models.
  • ZX Spectrum +3 - Is a new version and has different internal circuitry compared to earlier models. Has a build-in 3” disk drive (same type as used by Amstrad CPC 6128). Is not completely compatible with earlier 128K models.
All the ZX Spectrum models up to and including the ZX Spectrum +2 (grey) use a 9V power supply unit. So it’s not difficult to get replacement or alternate power supply units.

The ZX Spectrum +2A (black), ZX Spectrum +2A (black) and ZX Spectrum +3 use a completely different design of power supply unit. So getting replacements is rather difficult in comparison. Also these power supply units were only designed for a 220V/230V/240V mains supply.

The ZX Spectrum Next is a different machine altogether. It uses current technology, so the actual hardware is completely different to the 1980s machines. They have only been produced in limited numbers, so the second hand prices are sky high.
They are being produced as a Kickstarter project. More details here. As the Kickstarter has closed, you currently can’t get a brand new one, and due to problems obtaining all the parts, production is behind schedule for the existing backers. We don’t know if there will be another Kickstarter or if they will ever be sold in the normal way.

The vast majority of games and software were produced for the 48K models. The number of titles that are 128K only is not huge. And although there has been a lot of development, the number of ZX Spectrum Next specific titles will always be small compared to the number of 48K titles.

Most machines will run the vast majority of older software. But there are some some titles that are incompatible. Some people have produced fixed versions.

Hence I suggest you think about what you want very carefully.

Mark
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Crayon21
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Re: Zx Spectrum Next or a 128?

Post by Crayon21 »

what's different about the amstrad and Next models exactly?
you mentioned incompatibility problems? :?:
In Heck, there are two options for perpetual torment:

Eat the Puckerberry and suffer for eternity:
drink nothing but a cocktail of The Last Dab and Mexican Cake blended and served with
habanero slices
:twisted:
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1024MAK
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Re: Zx Spectrum Next or a 128?

Post by 1024MAK »

Some software written for the 16K and 48K relies on the ‘unused’ part of the ROM. On some 128K models, some of this previously ’unused’ ROM area has been used.

The 128K BASIC introduced two new BASIC keywords, reducing the number of user defined graphics (UDG) by two. This may affect some software.

The documentation for the ZX Spectrum 128 was incorrect on how the 128k bytes of banked/paged RAM actually works. Amstrad designed the +2A / +2B / +3 (which all use the same gate array chip) to the documentation (which was wrong). Hence some software does not work correctly.

The +2A / +2B / +3 don’t have a ‘floating bus’ like earlier models. The ‘floating bus’ is a side effect of Sinclair using resistors to separate the Z80 CPU data bus from the Video system data bus. This affects compatibility of a small number of games.

The syntax of the commands for the RAM and disk drive are different for the +2A / +2B / +3.

There are differences with some of the functions of the U.K. edge-connecter pins between the various 128K models and the earlier models.

The ZX Spectrum Next has extremely good compatibility with software designed for the 16K, 48K, plus and the 128K models when running in 625 line, 50Hz PAL screen modes and connected to a suitable monitor/display.

When running at 60Hz due to the monitor/display not supporting 50Hz, there are some timing differences which may affect some software.

As the ZX Spectrum Next tries to be as compatible as possible with the Spectrum model that you have selected, it will of course have the same limitations and compatibility problems as that model.

Note that when sent out, the ZX Spectrum Next is configured for ‘native’ mode so that it’s enhanced BASIC is active. This has a load of new commands.

Mark
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp

:!: Standby alert :!:
There are four lights!
Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb :!:
Looking forward to summer later in the year.
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