The PCW (Personal Computer Word-processor) range of computers was created by Amstrad and launched in 1985. Much like the CPC series, they also had Schneider models, being named 'Joyce' instead of 'PCW'.
All members of the family (with the exception of the PcW16) share the same basic features:
The following were delivered along with the computer:
The idea for the PCW occurred to Alan Sugar during a trip from Japan to Hong Kong in July 1984, after he realized that most computers were being used as word processors. His idea was to provide a replacement for typewriters.
To reduce costs, the machine was designed around a Z80 and an ASIC commissioned from MEJ Electronics (with whom they had already collaborated on the CPC), featuring a monochrome screen and no sound. Locomotive would handle the software, once again collaborating with those who had worked on the CPC.
Although it was initially designed to use 128 KB, 256 KB were ultimately used due to the drop in RAM prices. Its internal codename was Joyce, after Sugar's secretary.
The computer was launched in September 1985, costing around £399 + VAT, much cheaper than the PCs of that era. In the first two years, more than 700,000 units were sold, reaching a 60% market share in the United Kingdom and 20% in Europe.
The commercial life of the PCW lasted until 1998, by which time more than 8,000,000 units had been sold. Although it was a truly popular computer for business, it was not as successful as a home computer. It does not possess a games catalogue like other contemporary computers, nor does it enjoy their level of popularity.