8

The Amstrad CPC 464, released in 1984, was distinctive for, among other things, being the first UK home computer to have a built-in monitor instead of assuming you would use a TV set.

How big was the screen of that built-in monitor? That is, I'm not asking about resolution in pixels (Google readily provides that), but physical size in diagonal inches.

Improve this question

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
16

The CPC 464 was sold with either a green-screen monitor, the GT64, or a colour monitor, the CTM460. The former has a 12” tube (11.4” visible), the latter a 14” tube (13.5” visible).

The screen wasn’t built-in to the computer; the computer was in the keyboard unit. The monitor provided the power supply however so wasn’t readily replaceable by other screens, and the system was always sold with a monitor, unlike most other home computers at the time (which were intended to be used with a TV). Amstrad sold a modulator and power supply to connect a CPC to a TV; in particular this was presented as an option for the monochrome models to play games on a colour TV.

Improve this answer
3
  • 3
    Amstrad also sold a couple of RF modulator/power supply units that allowed the use of a TV with the CPC. I'm not sure if you could buy a CPC with the modulator and no monitor as a bundle though.
    – Alex Taylor
    Jun 16, 2022 at 6:17
  • 2
    Thanks, I’d forgotten about the MP1. I don’t think it was possible to buy a CPC 464 without a monitor.
    – Stephen Kitt
    Jun 16, 2022 at 6:32
  • A footnote on the MP1: the SAM Coupé uses a modification of it; the SAM’s is either repainted or at least from the same mould, and similarly bundles power and an RF modulator into one box, connecting to the computer with one cable. I have no idea of the business or technical reason why though, alas.
    – Tommy
    Jun 18, 2022 at 1:05

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .