Amstrad User Group

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PcW 9256

The next model again was a complete metamorphose. The 3" drive was no longer available in 1991 so Amstrad mounted a 3.5" 720 kilobytes drive. To distinguish the PCW with a 3" from the new machines, Amstrad changed the type designation in PcW: the small c indicates a 3.5" drive. Not that this mattered: boot discs (except for the 8256 and 8512) had never exchangeable to begin with. The later PcW 9512+ also received a + in the type designation to distinguish it from the predecessor PCW 9512.

The machine is a lot smaller than the predecessors. The system unit and monitor are still integrated, just like the 9512, but the keyboard is a direct derivative of the one used in the 8000-series. Face-lifted, with rounded sides but nevertheless an 8000-model.

The dot matrix printer supplied also closely resembles the printer supplied with the 8256/8512. From a technical point of view it is identical but for a few modifications. The most useful one was the ability to place the printer on top of the monitor: an add-on product was marketed (not by Amstrad) for the 8256/8512 but the 9256 featured this already as standard.

Derived from the 9512 was the integration of the printer power and data cable: that meant one cable less. But the annoying thing is that Amstrad fitted a standard Centronics IBM connector, as used by other manufacturers. This while the printer port is NOT compatible with a standard printer! De printer port on the 9256 is meant for the dot matrix printer supplied with the 9256: it does not support another printer. The 9256 does not have a standard Centronics parallel port. Moreover, because the integration of data and power cables into one cable, the printer cannot be exchanged with the 8256 and 8512, whereas it basically is the same printer (in a better looking design). The only difference is the print head (the series B) but even that is exchangeable.

This computer never made it to the Dutch market, in the absence of Amstrad-representation in Holland (the joint venture between Amstrad and Schneider had broken down by then). It is in any case the lesser of the series, when provided with the option I would always choose for the PcW 10. Same look, a bit younger but more powerful: 256 kilobytes additional memory and a Centronics parallel printer port. The PcW 9256 can be upgraded to 512kb and the expansion port of the 8000-series is present on this computer as well.

To the PCW-page.