Inverness Computer Centre

31/08/2026

Going to University / college ? A Home user slow laptop ? or Business users needing a boost

Another busy day . We now have plenty laptops in stock for back to work - university or home use !

New laptops Prices start from £549.00 please email [email protected]. Or call us 239 999 .
9am-5.30pm

Free Basic setup and carry case included in the cost

All you need to add is Ms office if required.

Please email / PM or phone 01463 239 999

Free delivery to all areas !!.

Choose from Lenovo, & Dell Models
New & reconditioned

30/08/2026

As the 1980's drew to a close, Amstrad launched its PC2000 series - which included its first computer with a 32-bit processor!

Three models were made, of which the PC2286 is arguably the best remembered one. The series as a whole was deemed a failure by Alan Sugar himself: "We rushed and made a bad product."

Shortly after release, Amstrad received numerous complaints. Apparently the source of the problem was the custom hard disk controller card Amstrad made off of Seagate and Western Digital parts.

The machines had to be recalled from the market, and relaunched with standard WD controller cards. However, the problem remained - according to Sugar, one of his engineers eventually realized the hard disk drives provided by the manufacturers were faulty. "It was our misfortune that both suppliers had shipped us rubbish. If at least one of them had shipped us good stuff, we’d have known far earlier that the problem didn’t lie with Amstrad."

Did you ever buy a computer from this series?

We had a shop in Inverness market & Church street at this hay day of computing

📷 ANTNIK Retro Computer

27/08/2026

The year after Amstrad's release of the PC1512, the company unveiled its first portable IMB-compatible machines: the PPC series.

Just as there were the PC1512 and the PC1640, there were also the PPC512 and the PPC640. Weighing roughly 5.5kgs, the PPC delivered the quality performance of a personal computer, tightly packed into a compact frame that could be carried anywhere.

How many of you remember seeing the PPC among the portable computers of the time?

📷 Lzrd161

27/08/2026

25/08/2026

Amstrad's IBM-compatible system from 1986: the PC1512.

Priced at just £399 plus VAT, the PC1512 was a very affordable personal computer for its time. With 512KB of memory and DRI's DOS Plus, it was also a powerful PC for its time.

This combination of an insanely low price tag (as far as IBM PC-compatibles went), comparable performance and complete packaging made the PC1512 a very successful model across Europe - with Amstrad founder Alan Sugar claiming it had taken 27% of the total European market from IBM, within just three months of its release!

How many of you worked with the PC1512 or its expanded version, the PC1640?

📷 Marcin Wichary

23/08/2026

Trip down memory lane

20/08/2026

Following up on the overwhelming success of the first Amstrad PCW's, the 9512 was a new step in the series!

Future iterations of the PCW9512 released in the early 90's switched from 3" to 3.5" disk drives, catering to what was becoming the standard size by that time.

Did any of you own a 9512 machine?

📷 PicClick UK
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20/08/2026

20/08/2026

Require a Laptop for University / collage ?

We have a large selection in stock ready to GO NOW

Free delivery to all areas

We have new and 2nd user laptops all with warranty

Please see our selection www.invcomps.co.uk

01463 239 999 [email protected]

19/08/2026

Commodore VIC-20 — “The Wonder Computer of the 1980s” 💾🖥️

“The wonder computer of the 1980s. Under £200

That was the bold promise behind this 1981 Commodore VIC-20 advertisement, featuring none other than William Shatner.

Priced at £199 the VIC-20 was marketed as an affordable home computer that could do it all — games, programming, word processing, personal finance and even telecommunications.

The ad proudly compares it with the Atari 400, TI-99/4A and TRS-80 Color Computer, highlighting its 32K maximum RAM, 66-key full-size typewriter-style keyboard and built-in Microsoft BASIC.

And look at those graphics! 🎮 The ad showcases games including VIC Super Alien, Radar Rat Race, Car Chase, Space Math, Jupiter Lander and Super Slither.

It’s also a fascinating reminder of just how futuristic home computing looked in 1981. For £199 , you weren't just buying a computer — you were buying a glimpse of the future.

📸 Vintage Commodore VIC-20 advertisement, 1981

#1981