Model A

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The BBC Model A was created as a lower-cost variant to encourage higher sales outside of the schools sector. It was launched at a price of GBP £235 (compared with GBP £335 for the Model B). This price rose to GBP £299 as Acorn found they couldn't make it at the lower price.


Variants

Acorm released two versions of the Model A

  • ANA01 - The standard Model A
  • ANA02 - Fitted with the optional Econet interface chips and socket


Characteristics

While physically identical, the Model A lacked a number of internal components and interfaces.

Internal

  • 16Kb of RAM instead of 32Kb (The empty spaces were fitted with sockets to simplify upgrades)
  • 6522 VIA Chip

Rear interface sockets

  • RGB port
  • Serial port
  • Analogue port

Underside interface sockets

  • Tube
  • User port
  • Centronics (printer) port
  • 1MHz Bus

All of these components could be installed to bring the machine up to full Model B specifications, and it is quite difficult to find an unmodified Model A now.