this post was submitted on 17 Jan 2024
18 points (95.0% liked)

retrocomputing

5205 readers
20 users here now

Discussions on vintage and retrocomputing

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

Were there any 8-bit era computers that had a 3.5" floppy? They probably would have run CP/M. I do have an apple IIC+, but I also would like some sort of Z80 machine.

top 12 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] Shdwdrgn@mander.xyz 11 points 2 years ago

What about the C64? It had both 5.25 (model 1541) and 3.5" (model 1581) drives.

[–] Mindlight@lemmy.world 6 points 2 years ago

Commodore 1581

It could be used with Commodore 128, which could run CP/M.

[–] misk@sopuli.xyz 4 points 2 years ago (2 children)

Does Famicom Disk System count?

[–] hansmeiser666@lemmy.world 4 points 2 years ago

No, it uses its' own proprietary type of disks, no standard 3.5''

[–] RedWizard@lemmygrad.ml 1 points 2 years ago

Came here to say this

[–] HakFoo@lemmy.sdf.org 3 points 2 years ago

Some higher-end MSX machines had 3.5" drives as an option.

[–] drwho@beehaw.org 2 points 2 years ago

Commodore released the 1581 floppy drive in 1987, which was for their 8-bit systems. The Apple iiGS had one as well (though it would also work on Macs of the time, as well as the other Apple ii computers as long as they had a floppy drive port (sometimes this meant needing a controller card)).

[–] harold999@lemm.ee 2 points 2 years ago

You could get 3.5" drives for the Amstrads CPC and PCW cos the 3" disks were basically impossible to get.

[–] DavidGA@lemmy.world 1 points 2 years ago

3.5” disks were standard on the Acorn Electron, and optional upgrades for the BBC Micro and BBC Master.

[–] waspentalive@lemmy.one 1 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago) (1 children)

Thanks so far - all of these are really good - As I said I already have an apple IIC+ so that covers the 6502 side of things I think. I am thinking of something like a Vixen, or Ortrona only with the 3.5" drives- All in one. Or something I could build myself with like 2 of these drives. In that case, I can use my laptop as its screen and keyboard through a USB/Serial adapter. But an SX64 shape is what I am looking for.

[–] jaredj@infosec.pub 2 points 2 years ago

The C128 has a Z80 too ;) I don't reckon there was an SX128 though

[–] ogwillikers@sh.itjust.works 0 points 2 years ago

VTech Laser 128.

But that's just an Apple II clone.