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Timex Sinclair 1000 Computer – Geek Archeology episode artwork

Nov 6, 2025 5 min

Timex Sinclair 1000 Computer – Geek Archeology

from Side Passages

Ken digs up the Timex Sinclair 1000. When this tiny computer was released in 1982 for $99, it was the cheapest home computer on the market. Ken walks through the device's features, his challenges using it, and contemplates what it will take to get the thing running again (a rainy Saturday project if there ever was one). Chapters 0:00 Introducing the Timex Sinclair 10000:35 First Impressions & Form Factor Throwback1:15 The Tech Behind the Machine2:25 Programming Memories & BASIC Adventures4:10 From Sinclair to Commodore 64 Listen to the Episode Watch to the Episode Watch "Timex Sinclair Computer" on YouTube. Show Notes Unboxing the Timex Sinclair 1000: cheapest home computer of 1982 How it worked: plugged into a black-and-white TV, used cassette tapes as storage Membrane keyboard woes: sore fingers, missed keystrokes, and perseverance Programming in BASIC from magazine printouts (like Byte Magazine) Memories of building a skiing game and early D&D tools Sinclair's role as a gateway to more powerful machines: Commodore 64, 128, Apple II Plus Discussion of family influence—Ken’s mom, a programmer, inspired him Future challenge: will it still boot in 2025?

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This episode was published on November 6, 2025.

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