// Workers AI · dad joke modeWhat did the Sinclair PC200 say to its friend? "Let's byte into fun.

Sinclair PC200

Sinclair PC 200
Manufacturer	Amstrad
Type	Home computer
Released	1988 (1988)
Introductory price	£300
Discontinued	1988 (1988)
Operating system	MS-DOS 3.3, GEM, PPC Organiser
CPU	Intel 8086 @ 8 MHz
Memory	512KB
Storage	3.5" floppy disk drive
Display	TV modulator; PAL TV; up to 640 × 200
Graphics	CGA/MDA
Sound	PC Speaker
Input	102-key keyboard with numpad and function keys
Connectivity	RS-232, Centronics, RGB monitor, mouse port, joystick port
Backward compatibility	IBM PC compatible
Predecessor	Amstrad PPC 512

The Amstrad PC20 / Sinclair PC200 was a home computer created by Amstrad in late 1988, based on the Amstrad PPC 512 hardware. The machine was available in two versions, Sinclair PC200 and Amstrad PC20. The PC200 had a black case and 'Sinclair' branding, while the PC20 was white and branded 'Amstrad'.

In addition to MS-DOS 3.3 and PPC Organiser (a memory-resident suite of utilities), the PC20/PC200 was supplied with GEM and four CGA-compatible games.

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

Design

The PPC 512's small LCD display was replaced by an RF modulator, so that the machine could 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 and Amiga 500. The PPC 512 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.

Some PC20s omitted the RF modulator and its support circuitry.

Although the PC20/PC200 does not support standard floppy disk drives through the built-in FDD connector, it uses a compatible floppy disk controller (a Zilog Z765a). Standard drives can be made to work with 720K disks after a cable modification.