Z80 @ 3.5Mhz - 32KB ROM - 128KB RAM

Shortly after the release of the ZX Spectrum 128, in January of 1986, Sir Clive Sinclair announced the sale of the computing interests to rival computer company Amstrad. Sir Alan Sugar's company immediately began work in creating the +2. The Spectrum +2 had some innovations over the previous 128, and was somewhat based, outwardly at least, on the Amstrad CPC 464.

There was a built-in tape deck on the Spectrum, that didn't need the volume button to be constantly adjusted, and didn't require you to unplug the "EAR" lead whenever you wanted to save a program to tape. For the first time, also, the Spectrum had a sprung keyboard. The keys were more uniform in appearance and, another first in the Spectrum's history, had the majority of the keywords missing from them. Other than the most useful in 48K mode, the LOAD, CODE & RUN commands, Amstrad assumed that all of the programming would be done in 128K mode, where the commands were typed in a traditional way. 48K mode was therefore thought only to be used for compatibility & loading older software. The computer also came with 2 joystick ports, that were compatible with the "Interface 2" add-on for the Spectrum. This method of controlling a joystick, was compatible with older games, because key presses were sent for the joystick movements - meaning that if a game enabled the user to redefine the keys, you could normally program your joystick to work. Also newer games after the +2 was introduced began to offer a dedicated Interface 2 option in the menu.

Probably the biggest notable difference, to any previous Spectrum owner, was that the Sinclair Spectrum +2 was completely grey in colour. The Spectrum had traditionally always been black, and after the +2 was produced, would revert back to being black again. Maybe Amstrad were trying something different, to show the Spectrum was their product now, with their stamp on, but in the end probably confused the buying public. Otherwise, the computer internally was identical to the 128K. The +2 went on sale for £150, which was £30 cheaper than the previous model.

Image source: Z80 Heaven