PPC 512

The Amstrad PPC512 and Amstrad PPC640 were the first portable IBM PC compatible computers made by Amstrad. They were a development of the desktop PC-1512 and PC-1640 models.

Hardware

The two computers had very similar specifications. The PPC512 had an NEC V30 processor running at 8MHz, 512 KiB of memory, a full-size 102-key keyboard, a built-in liquid crystal display (not backlit) that could emulate the CGA or MDA and either one or two 720k 3.5" floppy drives (the model was either the PPC512S or PPC512D depending on the number of drives it had). The PPC640 was otherwise identical except that it had 640 KiB of memory, a built-in modem, and its case was a darker shade of grey.

The PPC included standard connectors for RS-232, Centronics and CGA/MDA video, allowing existing peripherals to be used. All the signals used by the 8-bit ISA bus were also available through an expansion connector.

Five possible power sources could be used:

• Eight C-size alkaline batteries and Two "dummy" cells. (8 * 1.5 v = 12 volts)
• Ten C-size NiCad rechargeable batteries. (10 x 1.2 v = 12 Volts)
• Mains adaptor
• Car cigarette lighter
• Monitor from a PC-1640 (the PC-1640 power supply was in its monitor)

The physical layout of the components was unlike most laptop designs: instead of the lid containing the screen, it contained the keyboard. The hinges were therefore at the front of the main unit, rather than the back. The LCD was hinged separately and folded down into a recess on the top of the system unit. The one or two floppy drives were located on the right-hand side. When closed, the size of the PPC was 45cm wide × 10cm high × 23cm deep.

A bank of six DIP switches was used to select whether the video hardware emulated CGA or MDA, and whether to use an internal or external monitor.

No official hard drive option or docking station was manufactured, but both were sold by third-party manufacturers.

At the time of the PPC640 launch, its price in the UK was so close to standalone 2400 baud modems that it was almost 'buy a modem and get a free luggable PC'.

Software

MS-DOS 3.3 was supplied with all PPCs, along with 'Organizer' - a memory-resident suite of utilities including a card file, diary, calculator and telephone dialler. In addition, the PPC 640 was supplied with Mirror II, a communications package for use with the built-in modem.

The MS-DOS boot disk also included a utility which could be used to switch between the internal display and an external monitor without rebooting.

Amstrad PC20 / Sinclair PC200

Sinclair PC200

In late 1988 Amstrad created a desktop computer based on the PPC design, intended for the home market. The LCD was replaced by an RF modulator to display CGA video on a domestic television, and the keyboard and system unit were combined in an integrated case similar to the original Atari ST or the Amiga 500. The second floppy drive bay was replaced by two ISA slots, though the design of the case was such that any cards fitted would protrude from the top of the computer. The PC200 had a black case and 'Sinclair' branding, while the PC20 was white and branded 'Amstrad'; the two were otherwise identical.

In addition to MS-DOS 3.3 and Organizer, the PC20/PC200 were supplied with GEM and four CGA-compatible games.

The graphical capabilities (CGA) and sound output (PC speaker) were greatly inferior compared to other home computers of the time. Consequently, the PC20/PC200 was not a commercial success.

References

• PPC512/640 user instructions
• "The PPC: A carry out for the future?" Amstrad Professional Computing, March 1988.
• AMSTRAD VAPORISES LAP TOP PRICE UMBRELLA WITH UKP400 PPC