My next computer was also a Sinclair machine, called the Sinclair QL (an abbreviation for Quantum Leap). Even if the machine was a failure, it was a big step for my brother and me, considering the specifications. The processor was based on the Motorola 68008, run at 7.5Mhz. The MC 68008 processor differed from its regular 68000 part in that it used a data bus that was 8 bits wide. The memory was a massive 128kbyte RAM, with 32kbyte ROM which included the QDOS operating system (with preemptive multitasking) and the Sinclair Superbasic. The computer could use a Monitor or a TV. The resolution was either 512x256 "high res" mode with four colors or 256x256 "low res" mode with eight colors. The machine used two "microdrives" for program storage. They were small tape cartridges which stored about 100kbyte on a tape and the transfer rate was about 15kbytes a second.
The machine came bundled with four business programs developed by Psion (wordprocessor, spreadsheet, database and business graphics). This machine was mainly aimed at the business market, while the Spectrum was more of a game/hobby machine for the home market. An impressive chess program was also included, with a 3D view of the chessboard.
As mentioned before, this machine was a failure, although fun to operate and own. Around the same time (1984) other machines based on the MC 68000 processor flooded the market (Macintosh, Atari ST's and Amigas) leading the way to powerful computing using GUI's as standard.