Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Unless noted, digital media are not available online. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request. Access will be provided to use copies of unrestricted digital files rather than carrier media, such as CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Some or all electronic files may be unavailable or restricted due to privacy reasons, agreement with the donor, software is not available to interact with files, or because files cannot be retrieved from original media.
The Timex Sinclair 1000 Personal Computer was created in 1981. It was made by Sinclair Research, Ltd. and was one of the earliest versions of the home computer. The TS-1000 came out in 1981 and it sold for $99, making it one of the most affordable early computers. This collection includes a personal computer; cassettes including Backgammon, the List Manager, and VU-CALC; a user manual; a charger; and a 16k RAM drive.
The Timex Sinclair 1000 Personal Computer was was made by Sinclair Research, Ltd. and it was one of the earliest versions of the home computer. The TS-1000 came out in 1981 and it sold for $99, making it one of the most affordable early computers. The company that created this computer, Timex Sinclair, was a joint venture established in 1982 between the British company Sinclair Research and Timex Corporation. The Timex Sinclair joint venture lasted only a few years from 1982-1984 and then the company went out of business due to low sales and competition in the early home computer market. The company produced several models before going out of business including: TS 1000, TS 1500, TS 2068, and TC 2048. The introduction of the Timex Sinclair 1000 Personal Computer led to increased competition with other computer manufacturers which in turn made other companies lower their prices and include more features. This marked the beginning of the popularity of home computers.
The Timex Sinclair 1000 was a small and simple to use computer. It was the size of a book and weighed about 20 ounces. The TS-1000 used a television set as a monitor. Data was stored on cassette tape. The computer processor was a Z80A microchip running at 3.5 MHz, and the ROM was 8 KB (the earliest version had only 1 KB). The computer keyboard was flat and the keys used black characters on a white background. The Timex could be used around the home for such tasks as budget management, checkbook balancing, and entertainment. However, the machine was rudimentary and severely limited in its capabilities. Users could also write basic programs. Accessories included a small "adding machine" type printer and a 16 KB RAM drive. Purchasers of it could also buy pre-programmed cassettes, and play basic versions of games such as backgammon (https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/nmah_334354, Accessed 5/22/2024).
This collection includes a personal computer; cassettes including Backgammon, the List Manager, and VU-CALC; a user manual; a charger; and a 16k RAM drive.
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.
[Identification of item], Timex Sinclair 1000 Personal Computer, Cassettes, and Manual, MC 00753, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
Purchased from Richard LaCroix, 2024 April (Accession 2024.0055).
Processed by: Katelyn Cuomo 2024 May; Finding aid written by: Katelyn Cuomo, 2024 May
Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice. Because of the nature of certain archival formats, including digital and audio-visual materials, access will require additional advanced notice. Unless noted, digital media are not available online. Copies of unrestricted digital files will be provided for use in the SCRC Reading Room upon request. Access will be provided to use copies of unrestricted digital files rather than carrier media, such as CDs, DVDs, and floppy disks. Some or all electronic files may be unavailable or restricted due to privacy reasons, agreement with the donor, software is not available to interact with files, or because files cannot be retrieved from original media.
For more information contact us via mail, phone, or our web form.
Mailing address:
Special Collections Research Center
Box 7111
Raleigh, NC, 27695-7111
Phone: (919) 515-2273
[Identification of item], Timex Sinclair 1000 Personal Computer, Cassettes, and Manual, MC 00753, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, NC
The NC State University Libraries generally claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. Libraries staff are unable to advise on copyright and other legal matters; the user assumes full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Helpful resources for assessing copyright include Cornell Libraries' "Copyright Services: Copyright Term and the Public Domain" and copyright.gov. This collection may contain materials with sensitive or confidential information about identifiable living individuals, which may be protected under federal or state laws and regulations. Researchers are advised that there may be legal ramifications for disclosing this information.
The University Archives operates in accordance with the State Public Records Act, with unrestricted access to records not covered by state and federal statutes and regulations.