Rubber keys. The rainbow stripe. The squeal of a cassette loading while everyone hoped it would work this time. For many families, this little keyboard was the start of a whole new world. Which game kept you glued to the screen?
The Sinclair ZX Spectrum was introduced in 1982. This photograph, taken in 2005, shows the familiar black keyboard and rainbow stripe. It is a photograph of a classic machine, rather than a picture taken in a family home in the 1980s.
When the computer arrived at home
For some families, a home computer was a Christmas surprise. For others, it was something to try at a friend’s house or save towards over time. The rituals were as memorable as the games: finding the right cassette, adjusting the volume and waiting for the loading to finish. Not everyone had a Spectrum, of course. Different computers and consoles shaped different childhoods, and school computers sometimes provided the first chance to have a go. Remembering which machine you used helps put the rest of the story into place.
What do you remember?
- Did you own a Spectrum or play on someone else’s?
- Which game do you remember best?
- Was it a Christmas present, a birthday present or something you saved for?
Share a memory in the comments below. An approximate year and a town or place help other people find a connection. Please avoid posting private contact details.
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