Vital Statistics

The Amstrad Notepad and Notebook computers are laptop computers designed to be easy for the novice computer user to understand and use. They incorporate built in software for tasks such as word processing (based on Protext), keeping a diary, and managing contact information (names, addresses etc).

To achieve this ease of use, the design of the Amstrad Notepad and Notebook computers includes coloured keys for accessing their major functions. Another useful feature for the new computer user is the 'Stop' button that will cancel any action that the user does not want to happen. Although easy to use, the Amstrad NCs should not be underestimated-- they all have advanced features such as spell checking and mail merge in their word processor software, and even allow you to program them using the BBC BASIC programming language.

The NC100 Notepad Computer was the first product in the NC series to be launched by Amstrad in September 1992. Its main software features are accessed using the coloured keys.

The Word Processor includes a 48,000 word spell checker, Mail merge facilities including merge from Address Book, On screen bold, italic and underline fonts (no true-type fonts!) , Find & Replace, Block copy, move & delete. The Diary, Address Book and Clock include support for World time zones, multiple alarms (NC100 will switch on automatically at set times), Diary with calendar (can be set to notify you of an entry as soon as the NC100 is switched on.), and a searchable address book. It also has a built-in calculator with memory function. The NC100 is powered by either 4 AA batteries, or a 6V mains adapter.

The NC150 was launched in April 1993. It had the same hardware as the NC100, but it also came with extra built-in software including a spreadsheet with charting and graphing capabilities, and three games. Its only hardware differences are that it has 128K of RAM, and includes the possibility of connecting an optional external floppy drive. Unfortunately, it was only marketed in French and Italian versions (at a cost of about £300).

The NC200 Notebook Computer was launched in October 1993. The hardware from the NC100 and NC150 was redesigned to be more practical, the major addition being a 3.5" floppy disk drive which used the PC format. It also came with the same expanded software suite of the NC150.

The NC200 is powered by either 5 C-type batteries, or a 7.5V mains adapter.

Tandy ceased sales of the NC-series in November 1996.