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'''Amstrad CPC''', the computer on which the Oliver Twins programmed the first Dizzy game and was also my own first home computer. 27 colours, a BASIC arguably better than that of the BBC micro and integrated cassette recorder or disc drive*. The all in one package for the family home of the 1980's.
Today there are lots of CPC's to choose from on auction sites such as Ebay. But which one to go for? And why do some models have very high "buy it now prices"?
==== Which model? =========CPC464=====The original CPC (1984 to 1990) came in three flavours.CPC 464 - Tape based with 64k. Cannot connect to a floppy disc drive without the Amstrad DD1 interface. This rules out using a SD card solution for loading. However you can still load from a PC or audio device using a car cassette adaptor. =====CPC664=====CPC 664 - Short lived 64k disc based model. Rare as hens teeth. Keyboard membranes are prone to failure although can be replaced. =====CPC6128=====CPC 6128 - The Rolls Royce of the original range. 128k, built in floppy drive. The machine to own.A CPC 464 with CTM 644 monitorThe =====Plus Series=====The 1990 models offered extra hardware capabities including 4096 colours and DMA sound along with new Amiga style cases. Little software took advantage of this.*464 Plus - New model of the original 464. *6128 Plus - Again new model of the original 6128 but has no tape input.*GX4000 - Cartridge based console. We'll cover this separately in another article. ==== Monitor or no monitor? ====
Every CPC came with either a colour monitor or a green screen (later black and white with the Plus models). Do you feel you need a CRT monitor for the authentic experience or are you happy plugging into a modern LCD?The monitor houses the power supply so if you want to have a machine without a monitor you will require a 5 volt power supply (positive centre) with at least 2 amps with a 2.5mm plug. If you have a disk based model you'll also need a 12v supply with a 2.5mm plug with a gender changer.Common with all systems, if you want to play light gun games you will need the monitor as light guns do not work with LCDs. Amstrad did produced an official lightgun in conjunction with Virgin Mastertronic. There is also the Trojan Lightphaser for the Plus machines. However the selection of games is extremely limited in both cases.Additionally if you do not purchase a monitor you will require a RGB to SCART cable so the CPC's RGB signal can be displayed on any television with a SCART input.Retailers on Ebay do sell complete kits to connect to an LCD TV. You are advised to check the quality of the power supplies before purchasing.
=== What to pay ===
