Other Maestros of the Micro

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Although it has only a minuscule memory (2K) and nothing more than pressure points for keys, Sinclair's mini-micro has opened the doors to computing for thousands of novices. It is powerful enough to handle family budgets, do math homework and play simple games. Available at discount for as little as $77.95, it has even won plaudits from the makers of higher-priced rivals. Reasons an Apple spokesman: "After people operate it for a while and find computers aren't threatening, they'll move up."

Determined as ever to make it in the small world, Sinclair plans to bring out another tiny TV, this one only slightly bigger than a pack of cards. Its ingenious flattened tube will later be built into his computer, thereby eliminating the need to hook it up to an external monitor. Sinclair, who relishes racing around in his two Porsches, is also trying to develop an electric car for slow (30 m.p.h.) urban driving—mini-size, of course. Nowadays he spends far fewer hours in his company's labs in Cambridge than he once did. Says Sinclair: "Much of my work consists of thinking, and that can be done anywhere, including bed."

—By Frederic Golden