The Zx Spectrum Ula How To Design A Microcomputer Zx Design Retro Computer Portable May 2026

Let’s design a modern, portable Spectrum clone. We will call it the "ZX LapPak."

The original Spectrum used a horrible rubber membrane. For a portable, you want a 40% mechanical keyboard. Let’s design a modern, portable Spectrum clone

| Component | Example Model | |-----------|----------------| | CPU | Z84C0020PEC (Z80, 3.3V, 20MHz) | | ULA Replacement | Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) | | Display | 1.8" 128x160 SPI (or 2.0" 240x240) | | Battery | 802540 1000mAh LiPo | | Charger | TP4056 + protection | | Regulator | MCP1703-3302E | | Keyboard | 40x tactile switch matrix PCB | | Speaker | 8 ohm, 1W | | SD card slot | microSD push-push | Let’s design a modern