Z165

The Z165 is a model of the ZX Spectrum, a popular home computer released by Sinclair Research in the mid-1980s. It is part of the ZX Spectrum series, which was designed to be an affordable and accessible personal computer for home users, particularly in the UK. The Z165 is notable for its 16KB of RAM, a significant upgrade from the original 16KB ZX Spectrum (Model 1), which initially shipped with only 16KB of ROM and 16KB of RAM but later received a 48KB RAM expansion.

The Z165 was introduced in 1985 as a response to the growing demand for more memory in the Spectrum line. It retained the familiar design of the Spectrum, including the distinctive rubber-key keyboard and the Z80 CPU running at 3.25 MHz. The computer featured a built-in cassette interface for loading and saving programs, though external tape recorders were often used for better performance. Like other Spectrum models, it used a custom chipset, including the ULA (Uncommitted Logic Array), which handled video and audio output, allowing for a variety of graphics and sound capabilities.

The Z165 was marketed as a more powerful version of the original Spectrum, appealing to users who wanted to run larger programs or expand their systems with additional RAM. It was also compatible with the vast library of software written for the original Spectrum, making it a seamless upgrade for existing users. Despite its improvements, the Z165 faced competition from other 8-bit computers, including the Commodore 64 and the Amstrad CPC, which offered higher memory and additional features. The Z165 remained popular among enthusiasts for its simplicity, reliability, and the extensive software and hardware support available for the Spectrum platform.