The Z88 Development Team has released a new version of the system ROM for the Cambridge Z88 portable.
It’s the result of more than a years work, with many improvements and new features: ISO character set support in filenames and international dates, faster serial I/O, improved RAM applications, better responsiveness. Rock-stable software that enables to run your Z88 for many months with re-booting.
The team also outlines its plans for the future:
The next step for the coming years is to re-implement the Z88 on low-power FPGA, minimum 10 X faster CPU, 800×600 screen resolution, up to 1Gb of RAM, SD-card filing system, VGA/HDMI output, improved operating system with new Unix-like command line Shell, ELF for Z80 executables + shared libraries, and integrated Zip arching in filing system. Emulators and developer tools will also be freely available.
Now that’s what I call OS News. I wish the mad, marvelous bastards the best of luck.
I only ever saw one in an electronics store once or twice, but they were very cool looking. I always wanted one and almost got one a few years back. Unfortunately, with the Raspberry PI being so cheap now and so many options for making a portable from one, the Z88 is no where near as desirable nowadays. I wish them luck though, very cool idea..
I got one in about 2011 — for £11. Boxed with manuals.
I’m pondering spending 10x that for the OS upgrade & extra memory. 🙂
But since you mention the RasPi, what would be cool and potentially cheap would be a RasPi case in the Z88 formfactor. Loads of batteries, a daylight-readable screen & a card slot. I’d buy that!
If it hasn’t happened, it will
Ha! I love it.
Can’t wait to buy the fpga version.
Good one them.