Sir Clive Sinclair, the creator of home computers and electronics including the landmark ZX Spectrum and the pocket calculator, has sadly passed away aged 81.
Clive Sinclair was known for his inventions in the ’70s with a series of calculators designed to be small and compatible, it would fit in your pocket. He revolutionised the way electronics looked and made it accessible for the home buying market.
His daughter said:
“He wanted to make things small and cheap so people could access them.”
One of his first creations, the ZX80 home computer revolutionised the way home computers were viewed at that time. It sold for a ⅕ of the retail price of other home computers in the market and later revealed his newer version of ZX81 and computer programme games such as 3D Monster Maze and Mazogs. It has been reported that within 2-3 years, he had made £14M profit in a year.
Lord Sugar, who Sinclair later sold his computer business to also paid tribute with a tweet:
So sad to hear about my good friend and competitor Sir Clive Sinclair. What a guy he kicked started consumer electronics in the UK with his amplifier kits then calculators, watches mini TV and of course the Sinclair ZX. Not to forget his quirky electric car. R.I.P Friend
— Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) September 16, 2021
Clive Sinclair became a household name with his innovation in computer products and electronics. He was given a knighthood in 1983 for his work.
As with great inventions, there are some that just did not reach the mark. The Sinclair C5 launched in January 1985 was a small vehicle in the market and was seen as a concern due to the safety of driving below the sightline of other motorists.
The Sinclair TV80, a pocket TV, was also another invention that did not deliver to its potential.
His daughter, Belinda said:
It was the ideas, the challenge, that he found exciting. He’d come up with an idea and say, ‘There’s no point in asking if someone wants it, because they can’t imagine it.
Besides inventing computer software, Clive had other interests including poetry, running marathons, and poker.
RIP Clive, you will be remembered.
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