The introduction of the Sinclair ZX80 was a revolution. A complete, if not flawed, computer for under UK£99. Although in New Zealand the ZX80 was still a relatively expensive option due to the governments archaic import tax system. As with many computers of that time the purchaser needed some skill to assemble the kit. Unfortunately the machine was fundamentally flawed. The ZX80 was not designed to produce a steady display when running a program, the screen was only stable when the computer was waiting for user input. This made programming most games impractical. Some software companies soon produced machine code programs that were able to split the CPU's time between running the program functionality and generating the TV display. These programs produced a clear 'flicker free' display.

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The construction of the ZX80 was very simplistic. A tiny white moulded plastic case, with a one-piece blue membrane keyboard on the front. Industrial designer, Rick Dickinson, designed its futuristic appearance, however the heat vents at the back of the case were actually just printed on the plastic, and subsequently the machine was prone to heat related issues…to name just one.

In total Sinclair sold approximately 50,000 units. High from their success, the ZX80 was quickly superseded by the technically superior, and cheaper ZX81. Many of the ZX80's failings were resolved with the arrival of the ZX81. It did not have the flickering screen issue, and the inclusion of a dedicated ULA chip meant fewer TTL logic chips and therefore less heat. The ZX81 was a massive success for Sinclair.

Because of the relatively short life and limited production quantities, the ZX80 is now quite sort after by collectors. I have two ZX80's. A rarer model from the US, and the other I purchased around 1994 in New Zealand for $25. Score!