# Retrocomputing

Published articles for Retrocomputing.

This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles.

## The Sinclair Spectrum Gets A Desktop GUI

DevFeed: [The Sinclair Spectrum Gets A Desktop GUI](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/the-sinclair-spectrum-gets-a-desktop-gui-55851.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://hackaday.com/2026/09/21/the-sinclair-spectrum-gets-a-desktop-gui/>)

Author: Jenny List

Published: 2026-09-21T08:00:34Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Hackaday](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/hackaday.md>)

Topics: [GUI](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/gui.md>), [ZX Spectrum](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/zx-spectrum.md>), [Assembly](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/assembly.md>), [Operating system](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/operating-system.md>)

Tags: [assembly](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/assembly.md>), [computers](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/computers.md>), [gui](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/gui.md>), [keyboard](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/keyboard.md>), [program](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/program.md>), [retrocomputing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/retrocomputing.md>), [sinclair](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/sinclair.md>), [sinclair-zx-spectrum](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/sinclair-zx-spectrum.md>), [zx-spectrum](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/zx-spectrum.md>)

### AI overview

The article examines ZXdesk, an assembly-language program that gives the 48K Sinclair ZX Spectrum a desktop-style GUI with menus, windows, and built-in applications. It explains why the software is not technically a general-purpose operating system because the computer lacks disk storage and the applications are integrated into the GUI.

### Source excerpt

Of the popular 1980s 8-bit computers, it's fair to say that Sinclair's ZX Spectrum punched above its weight. Sir Clive's love of squeezing more functionality out of less hardware meant ...read more

## Sony's First Computer

DevFeed: [Sony's First Computer](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/sony-s-first-computer-55257.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://hackaday.com/2026/09/18/sonys-first-computer/>)

Author: Al Williams

Published: 2026-09-18T23:00:59Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Hackaday](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/hackaday.md>)

Topics: [Computing](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/computing.md>), [systems](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/systems.md>), [modules](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/modules.md>)

Tags: [3d-printer](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/3d-printer.md>), [computer](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/computer.md>), [computers](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/computers.md>), [cp-m](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cp-m.md>), [desktop](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/desktop.md>), [retrocomputing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/retrocomputing.md>), [sony](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/sony.md>)

### AI overview

This article examines Sony's 1982 SMC-70 computer, highlighting its unusual modular expansion system, CP/M and Z80 hardware, advanced 16-color graphics, sound, video output, and later repair work using a 3D printer.

### Source excerpt

In 1982, desktop computers were coming into their own, and no clear leaders had emerged. But everyone knew they wanted a piece of the action. This led to, among other ...read more

## Reconstructing a Pin on a Pin Grid Array Package

DevFeed: [Reconstructing a Pin on a Pin Grid Array Package](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/reconstructing-a-pin-on-a-pin-grid-array-package-55256.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://hackaday.com/2026/09/18/reconstructing-a-pin-on-a-pin-grid-array-package/>)

Author: Maya Posch

Published: 2026-09-18T18:30:22Z

Content type: article

Language: en

Sources: [Hackaday](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/hackaday.md>)

Topics: [cpu](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/cpu.md>)

Tags: [1-6](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/1-6.md>), [amd](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/amd.md>), [cpu](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/cpu.md>), [data](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/data.md>), [processors](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/processors.md>), [repair-hacks](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/repair-hacks.md>), [retrocomputing](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/retrocomputing.md>), [substrate](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/substrate.md>), [zif-socket](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/zif-socket.md>)

### AI overview

The article explains how a damaged pin and pad on a Pentium III pin grid array package were reconstructed using solder mask and solder. The repaired CPU reportedly ran successfully at 1.6 GHz.

### Source excerpt

Before moving to land grid array (LGA) packaging whereby each pin on the substrate is just a copper pad, processors commonly used pin grid array (PGA) packaging, including the still ...read more