But when, 30 years ago today, Sir Clive Sinclair launched his new machine, success was by no means guaranteed. It was to replace the world's most popular computer, the ZX81, and many questioned whether the improved "high resolution" graphics and sound were even really needed. But in fact it was the low price that clinched the deal: the introductory model was just £125, and even the top of the range 48KB model was a comparatively affordable £175.
The small, black computer was made in Dundee and its rubber keys, later replaced with plastic, went on to introduce 5million owners to a device that would eventually offer 23,000 software titles. These included business software such as word processing, but it was the games that made the greatest impact. Among these were Elite, Boulder Dash, Football Manager and many more.
Over time, the Spectrum evolved, with new peripherals and new models being added to the hugely popular range - in October 1984 the Spectrum+ went on sale, although it was little more than the top model of its predecessor rebadged. The first big bump came with the 128, which added an external keypad, more ports and improved sound which, for the first time, came through the television rather than the PC.
Millions were now able to learn a programming language, Sinclair Basic, and the new models extended its capabilities further. For a short while, programming was in danger of becoming cool.
By then, however, Spectrum was already on the wane, by some measures at least. Keeping prices below the rival £299 BBC Acorn was just one of the things that took its toll and in 1986 Alan Sugar, now Lord Sugar, bought the struggling manufacturer. The models that he produced included such innovations as an integrated tape deck and even, by the +3 model, a 3" disk drive.
But these advances introduced incompatibilities between newer models and original games - even though some estimates put the Spectrum at one third of all UK home computers, production ceased in 1990. In the face of machines such as the Amiga 500, with its 3.5", industry-standard disks, Sinclair had little hope.
Now, however, games that either directly emulate or - like the hugely popular Tiny Tower - hark back to the look of older games, are popular on mobile phones and tablets. They both have hundreds of times the processing and storage capacity of the Spectrum but few is as well loved by its fans.
As for Sir Clive, however, he has gone on to develop a long-term interest in vehicles - best known for the C5, which was just £399 when it launched, he has said recently that a new model, the X1 is still in development. Who knows - this pioneer may yet revolutionise two industries.
Sinclair ZX Spectrum:
Speed:
3.5Mhz
Release date:
April 23, 1982
Memory:
16KB (32KB and 64KB also available)
Dimensions (mm):
233 x 144 x 30
Weight:
552g
Production:
60,000 initially (more than 5million sold overall)