Amstrad PC Computers

Introduction

Amstrad had already made attempts at IBM PC compatible computers (they could run the same software and hardware expansion cards developed for IBM PCs) in the form of the Amstrad PC1512 and PC1640, released in 1986, which both sold very well in Europe, partly due to their low cost. It was only natural that Amstrad would follow on with portable PC computers, which became the PPC512 and PPC640 (presumably ‘PPC’ stands for Portable Personal Computer), first available in 1988.

In the following years Amstrad produced more IBM PC compatible computers including the PC2000 series in 1989 consisting of the PC2086 (featuring an 8086 CPU), PC2286 (80286 CPU) and PC2386 (80386DX CPU). There was also the Amstrad Mega PC released in 1993 which had quite unremarkable performance for the time yet was unique for incorporating a Mega Drive, under license from Sega, at a high cost for the time.

Read on the following sections for more in depth information to learn about Amstrad’s PC computers.

Introduction

Amstrad PPC512 & PPC640

Technical

Troubleshoot

Upgrades

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Amstrad PPC512 & PPC640

The PPC512 and PPC640 portable IBM compatible computers, released in 1988, while not quite resembling a laptop like those we have today feature a built-in Enhanced AT type keyboard with 102 keys, monochrome supertwist LCD, and one or two 720K 3.5” floppy drives. An ‘S’ at the end of the model name denoted a single floppy drive (e.g. PPC512S) contrasted with a ‘D’ for double disk drive configuration (e.g. PPC640D). The PPC weighs 5.4KG excluding batteries and can be folded up, making it 450mm x 230mm x 100mm resembling an oversized cassette storage case, just as well it has a carry handle. Due to its size there was a carrying bag available that quite cleverly exposed the computer’s handle rather than the bag needing its own one. The case can be seen at the following site along with photos of the a PPC512 and its internals at:

https://oldcrap.org/2019/09/19/amstrad-ppc-512/

Whereas the PPC512 consists of a cream and light grey colour scheme for its body the PPC640 features a much darker grey which appears almost black on some PPC640s. It’s hard to tell whether it’s the photos and videos online representing the colour wrong or there were actual variations on the colour or perhaps a reaction over time. My (UK) PPC640 does not have any very dark grey on it unlike, for example, the photos seen at:

https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/items/477519

Note that the PPC640 seen in the photos linked above is the Australian version but it’s unknown whether the colour varied slightly between regions. The photo on the user instructions and technical reference booklets (see the Technical section on this page) both show the PPC640 as being almost completely dark grey/black.

Unlike a typical laptop, the PPC computers don’t use a rechargeable battery pack and instead run off 10 alkaline ‘C’ batteries, which Amstrad claimed would last for 1 hour, although recommended against operation of the modem (PPC640) when running off batteries. The choice of non-rechargeable batteries may appear odd but keep in mind that the use of a rechargeable battery pack may have put up the cost of the computer. From today’s perspective it’s an advantage in that there is less risk of battery leak as typically happens with rechargeable batteries left in laptops over many years (although non-rechargeable batteries can still leak if left in) and we can still use standard batteries rather than trying to find proprietary rechargeable battery replacements.

The PPC computers can also be powered from a mains adaptor (13V 1.9A centre positive) or car cigarette lighter via an adaptor (both originally supplied with the PPC), or an Amstrad PC-MD/PC-CD/PC-ECD monitor (which provided power to Amstrad’s other IBM PC compatibles). Even though the PPC power supply is rated for 13V the computer itself states that it needs 12V, the technical manual (see the Technical section on this page for the link) states that the voltage must be 9.5 volts minimum to 17.5 volts maximum.

Moving on to the more technical, here is a summary of the main specifications of the PPC512 and the PPC640:

System PPC512 PPC640

CPU NEC V30 @ 8MHz NEC V30 @ 8MHz

Modem No Yes, 2400 baud full duplex

System RAM 512K 640K

Video RAM 64K 64K

The NEC V30 is similar to the NEC V20, both of which are compatible with the Intel 8086, yet can run some applications faster than an 8086 even at the same clock speed because of the V30’s better efficiency.

As well as running DOS, the systems were supplied with PPC Organiser software and the PPC640 additionally came with Mirror II communications software. The PPC640’s built-in modem was actually fast for its time and because the PPC512 lacks a built-in modem it has a spare expansion bay. Both computers have a socket for an Intel 8087 coprocessor to give supported software a performance boost if fitted.