As “the first entry in Amstrad’s – and Britain’s – biggest-selling computer series from the 1980s” , the Amstrad PCW 8256 left an indelible mark on computing history. This all-in-one machine, examined here by David Crookes, was designed to be an accessible word processor for both home and office use. Its success was driven by a focused design and an affordable price that made computing approachable for first-time users, cementing its place as a groundbreaking device that redefined a generation.
Table of Contents
📖 A Vision for Simple Computing – From Serviette to Sensation
The concept for the Amstrad PCW 8256 originated from a sketch by Alan Sugar, who envisioned a dedicated word-processing machine to compete with expensive electronic typewriters. Amstrad’s strategy was to bundle everything a user would need—including a monitor, keyboard, and printer—into a single package at a killer price, starting at £399 plus VAT.
This approach demystified computing and proved to be a massive commercial success. The PCW series sold eight million units, holding the title of the best-selling British computer until the release of the Raspberry Pi in 2016.
💾 The All-in-One Experience – Hardware, Software, and More
The PCW 8256’s design integrated all components into one sleek system. The Zilog Z80 processor (4MHz) and 256K of RAM were housed within the monitor, which featured a green screen with a 90-column by 32-line display. A 3-inch disk drive and a 9-pin dot-matrix printer were also included. The bundled software, notably the LocoScript word processor, was designed for ease of use. It featured dedicated keys for functions like cut, copy, and paste, and its user manual assumed no prior computing knowledge, guiding users through every step.
📝 Key Specifications – A Detailed Breakdown
| Feature | Specification |
| Processor | Zilog Z80 (4MHz) |
| RAM | 256K |
| Display | Green screen monitor (90 columns by 32 lines) |
| Storage | 3-inch disk drive built into the monitor |
| Price | £399 plus VAT (at launch) |
- PC Pro – Issue 372, September 2025
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