What happened to the Elite Systems Spectrum?
Back in February of this year I read an article that Elite Systems were going to re-release the ZX Spectrum for the 30th Anniversary in 2012.
Is this still happening and does anyone have any updates?
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/287369/zx-spectrum-reborn-for-new-relaunch/
Is this still happening and does anyone have any updates?
http://www.computerandvideogames.com/287369/zx-spectrum-reborn-for-new-relaunch/
Post edited by cherbert on
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Elite never released any details. The story was widely reported in the mainstream media and the consensus was that the 'Spectrum' would in fact simply be a bluetooth keyboard resembling a rubber-keyed Speccy that could connect to a device running Elite's emulation software (iPhone, for example).
Nothing has been heard since then, although I believe Elite *have* released an emulator for Apple devices and sell original 80's games titles to run on the emulator. Since the only Apple device I own is over 20 years old it's of little practical interest to me.
There may yet be a bluetooth keyboard in the style of a Spectrum, as it wouldn't take much to manufacture one.
Personally I'd rather see a Spectrum in the original rubber guise, but with ethernet and SD slot built in. It could of course be modern circuitry, effectively a low end modern computer running an emulator...but an actual Spectrum piece of hardware rather than a keyboard that connects to a separate device running the emulator.
Elite are about to release (was going to be last weekend but it'll be delayed for a few weeks) a new app with 8/16 bit retro releases, not just Apple stuff. Think its a great idea personally, looking forward to playing a variety of games from the 80's/90's, not just Speccy ones.
But yep i always thought it was a bluetooth 'Speccy' style keyboard but thats been quiet. Worth emailing Steve Wilcox, he always replies. Really looking forward to the new app though.
I totally agree. It would be great to get such a new Speccy, and I would buy it immediately!:grin:
Those of you who were at Replay in Blackpool the other weekend will have seen my SpectraStick, Spectrum in a Joystick.
It's not got a rubber key keyboard, but - even if it doesn't ship with it - does have SD Card and PS/2 keyboard support. Full 48/128K PAL/NTSC compatibility.
The logistics of getting this made in China are complicated however, and makes the hardware design seem like a doddle!
Err, I wasn't there, is there any pic of it online? I'm curious about the keyboard and connectors. :) Great idea!
Damn! I wasn't there! Anyway, I would buy one for sure.
Let us know if you will build some of them on request.
I always thought that the Spectrum need something like the Mega Cart for the Vic20. The Spectrastick seems very intriguing... Any chance to see it?
(Sounds great btw, bit similiar to the C64 DTV?)
Well, there will be no connectors... But the PCB will support them being soldered on. That's the idea anyway.
Think minimum feature set for minimum cost. Think DTV64 and you'll get the idea - but with MUCH better video, SDCard support and built in peripherals such as ZXMMC+, ULA+, and hopefully expansion support for the Spectranet. As a favour for Gasman, the three AY channels are available for external mixing.
It's not FPGA either, but will be a modern day ULA, keeping costs and power consumption down.
I will need the shops/distributors to pick it up, else it will be a very small production run of the FPGA prototype unit :-/
Hmmmmmmm...... One million units..... Mu ha ha ha ha ha!
Think carefully before having 1m units made... do you have a large shed? :)
Nice! NTSC support.
I just read this thread right now, and noticed THAT in particular
Eeew! Nasty!
Interesting thread though.