ZX Spectrum Next - hardware compatible with the original

[sasa]

As a retro nostalgic, searching something about old ZX Spectrum, I accidentally found this amazing project:



"The Spectrum Next - an updated and enhanced version of the ZX Spectrum totally compatible with the original, featuring the major hardware developments of the past many years packed inside a simple (and beautiful) design by the original designer, Rick Dickinson, inspired by his seminal work at Sinclair Research."

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1835143999/zx-spectrum-next

Even I still have my original ZX Spectrum 48 from 1982 (amazingly still in working condition after 35 years), I'm quite interested to have this new reborn version when get available next year. Seems as dream come true - not a micro PC motherboard with software emulation in modified old computer case and keyboard, however something very close to original able even to use old hardware...

[vasco]

I still have my issue 3 with the original rubber keys. I don't know if it still works, I'm not trying to power it up without a recapping.

While I have to agree that the design is fantastic the fact is that I never liked the plus keyboard.
I don't know what to expect, the look is good, but how about the feel ?

100% compatibility is good, but I'd like to have a mode with a modern BASIC, something like SpecBAS. That could make it useful outside the nostalgia market.

SpecBAS home page: https://sites.google.com/site/pauldunn/

disclaimer: I have no relation with the SpecBAS project.

[sasa]

"Rick also took great care to create a keyboard that’s more responsive and features higher bandwidth input than the original, using a butterfly mechanism to power a tactile response to any fingertip touching its keys. No more stuck keys while you type!"

It is also possible to replace plus keyboard with original rubber one...

In short, this project looks very promising.