All members of the family (with the exception of the PcW16) share the same basic features:

• Z80 Processor at 4 MHz.
• A specific Gate Array (ASIC), responsible for most basic functions (audio, video, memory controller, keyboard communication).
• The well-known NEC µPD765 as the disk controller, along with an SED9420 as a data separator.
• An i8041 microcontroller to control the printer and provide the boot code upon power-up (since the PCW has no ROM).
• At least 256 KB of internal RAM, expandable to 512 KB.
• Independent keyboard with serial communication, using an i8048 microcontroller.
• Expandability via an expansion bus.

The following were delivered along with the computer:

• A printer with its own interface, either dot matrix or daisy wheel depending on the model.
• A copy of LocoScript locomotive a word processor specifically designed for this computer.
• A copy of Digital Research CP/M Plus, ported by locomotive, and including their well-known Mallard Basic.
• Manuals.

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.

• Amstrad PCW 8256 / Schneider Joyce, featuring 256 KB of RAM, a CF2 drive, and a dot matrix printer.
• Amstrad PCW 8512 / Schneider Joyce Plus, featuring 512 KB of RAM, CF2 and CF2DD drives, and a dot matrix printer.
• Amstrad PCW 9512, featuring 512 KB of RAM, a CF2DD drive, a daisy wheel printer, and a standard parallel port.

• Amstrad PcW 9256, featuring 256 KB of RAM, an MF2DD drive, and a dot matrix printer.
• Amstrad PcW 9512+, featuring 512 KB of RAM, an MF2DD drive, a daisy wheel printer, and a standard parallel port.
• Amstrad PcW10, featuring 512 KB of RAM, an MF2DD drive, a dot matrix printer, and a standard parallel port.

• Amstrad PcW16, featuring 1 MB of RAM, 1 MB of Flash memory, an MF2HD drive, two serial ports, and one parallel port. It is completely different and incompatible with the rest of the range, as it does not share the same architecture.