The BBC Microcomputer was Acorn’s follow-up to the Atom, and launched in 1981. Largely due to its BBC backing, the computer was quite successful in the UK, especially among schools and businesses. But is it still worth owning to a current collector of vintage computers?
This is an overview of the history, hardware, and software of the Beeb from the perspective of an American collector. How do the pros and cons stack up, and is it worth getting a Beeb over its cut-down sibling, the Electron?
Many thanks to Mark from the UK for the BBC Model B!
Also a big thanks to ImperialProductions for the Acornsoft software!
For lots of great info on the Beeb, check out Stairway To Hell:
Grab sweet PC games and help support LGR!
Or just donate:
Follow LGR on Twitter:
Like LGR on the Book of Faces:
Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons and Phil Gyford, used under Creative Commons 2.0 attribution license. Also some from the excellent site, Chris’s Acorns.
More Information:
The BBC Micro Computer System, often referred to simply as the BBC Micro, is a series of microcomputers that were launched by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in the early 1980s. This system was developed as part of the BBC’s initiatives to promote computer literacy in the UK, particularly through the "Computer Literacy Project." The BBC Micro became one of the most significant computers in British educational history and played a crucial role in popularizing computing in schools and homes.
Key Features of the BBC Micro:
Architecture: The BBC Micro was based on a 32-bit architecture but mostly operated with 8-bit and 16-bit capabilities. The original model, the Model A, featured a 6502 processor running at 2 MHz, while later models (such as the Model B) included enhancements like additional RAM and disk interfaces.
Operating System: The computer utilized a custom operating system called Acorn MOS. This OS was user-friendly and supported advanced features like multitasking and multiple languages, making it conducive to both learning and development.
Graphics and Sound: The BBC Micro supported a range of graphics modes, capable of displaying high-resolution graphics compared to contemporaries. It also featured a built-in sound chip that allowed for various audio capabilities, including music and sound effects.
Educational Software: A significant strength of the BBC Micro was its library of educational software. Many schools adopted the computer for teaching programming and other subjects. Additionally, the BBC Micro supported the BASIC programming language, which was accessible for students and beginners.
Expansion and Peripherals: The system was designed to be expandable. It had a selection of ports for connecting peripherals like printers, external disk drives, and additional storage solutions. This expandability made it versatile for different uses in both educational and home environments.
- Community and Impact: The BBC Micro had a strong following and spurred a community of developers and users. It played a role in shaping the British computing landscape of the 1980s and helped inspire a generation of programmers and technology enthusiasts.
Legacy:
The BBC Micro was influential not only in education but also in the home computer market during the early 1980s. Its impact on computing education is still recognized today, with many former users crediting it as a catalyst for their interest in technology and programming.
In various reviews and retrospectives, including channels like LGR (Lazy Game Reviews), the BBC Micro is often highlighted for its robust build quality, ease of use, and unique contribution to the rise of computer literacy in the UK. The nostalgia associated with this computer system continues to engage collectors and new enthusiasts alike, marking it as a nostalgic piece of computing history.
Overall, the BBC Micro Computer System stands as an important artifact in the evolution of personal computing, especially within the context of education, and its legacy continues to be felt in modern computing culture.