Model A

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.

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 many were.