description Amstrad PCW 8256 Overview
The Amstrad PCW 8256 was a word processing personal computer released in 1985 by British company Amstrad. Designed as an affordable office machine, it featured a built-in monitor, keyboard, and dot-matrix printer in a single package. The system shipped with CP/M operating system and the LocoScript word processing software, which became widely used in British offices. The "8256" designation referred to its 256 KB of RAM.
The machine used 3-inch floppy disks for storage.
help Amstrad PCW 8256 FAQ
Was the Amstrad PCW 8256 really released in 1989?
No, the PCW 8256 launched in Britain in September 1985. Its original package cost £399 plus VAT and included the computer, green-screen monitor, keyboard and dot-matrix printer.
What software did the PCW 8256 use for word processing?
It shipped with Locomotive Software's LocoScript word processor. The machine could also boot CP/M Plus and run software such as Mallard BASIC.
What kind of floppy disks does the PCW 8256 need?
The original PCW 8256 uses uncommon 3-inch compact floppy disks, not standard 3.5-inch disks. Its single drive stored roughly 180 KB per side on the original media.
What is the difference between the PCW 8256 and PCW 8512?
The PCW 8256 has 256 KB of RAM and originally came with one floppy drive. The PCW 8512 increased memory to 512 KB and added a second drive.
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