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Sinclair BASIC history: Difference between revisions
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Microsoft BASIC became so popular that it made Gates and Allen their first fortune and was subsequently supplied with the majority of 8-bit computers. So not surprisingly, when the ANSI Standard for Minimal BASIC (X3.60-1978) was launched, it was based mainly on the Microsoft version. | Microsoft BASIC became so popular that it made Gates and Allen their first fortune and was subsequently supplied with the majority of 8-bit computers. So not surprisingly, when the ANSI Standard for Minimal BASIC (X3.60-1978) was launched, it was based mainly on the Microsoft version. | ||
In May 1979, [[Clive Sinclair]]'s engineers began work on the machine that would become the ZX80. Sinclair was inspired to create the machine after seeing how much his son enjoyed using a TRS-80 but guessing that many people would be put off buying one because of the high price—just under £500. | In May 1979, [[Sir Clive Sinclair||Clive Sinclair]]'s engineers began work on the machine that would become the ZX80. Sinclair was inspired to create the machine after seeing how much his son enjoyed using a TRS-80 but guessing that many people would be put off buying one because of the high price—just under £500. | ||
Unlike Sinclair's previous foray in to the computer hobbyist market, the MK14, this machine would ship with BASIC, based on the ANSI standard. But the aim was to keep costs down and that precluded paying a licence fee to Microsoft. To this end, Sinclair had already met with [[John Grant]] of Nine Tiles in April to discuss the software requirements of the ZX80. | Unlike Sinclair's previous foray in to the computer hobbyist market, the MK14, this machine would ship with BASIC, based on the ANSI standard. But the aim was to keep costs down and that precluded paying a licence fee to Microsoft. To this end, Sinclair had already met with [[John Grant]] of Nine Tiles in April to discuss the software requirements of the ZX80. | ||