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ZX SPECTRUM+

In 1984, the Spectrum is already 2 years old and starts to look obsolete when compared to its competitors and the Commodore 64 in particular. That's why Sinclair launches a new-look version of the Spectrum : the Spectrum+ was born.

In fact, it does not bring anything more apart from some cosmetic changes. Concerning the keyboard, the rubber keys are replaced with a better keyboard directly inspired by the keyboard of the QL, launched the same year. Though the keys are made of plastic this time, the touch is still a bit too soft. Fortunately, there are now a large spacebar, arrow keys and new editing keys.

Also added are two small feet under the keyboard, making it possible to tilt the keyboard at a convenient angle for typing, a bit like on modern PCs. A small reset button was also added on the left-hand side of the case, thus making it harder to press it accidentally.

In fact the Spectrum + largely adopts the look of the QL which is no coincidence at all, since apart from making the Sinclair product range more homogeneous aesthetically, it certainly represented advantages as far as the assembly lines were concerned.