Description

The Apricot PC was launched at the 6th PCW show in September 1983. Initially it was one of two models. One with a single, 315Kb,  3.5″ floppy disk drive at £1495, and the far more popular dual disk drive version. Releases for subsequent models with double-sided (768Kb) drives happened in the following year.

ACT’s past success and strong relationship with Victor meant that one of the key design goals was to ensure that the new product would be software compatible with the Sirius 1. This did mean that the PC was not 100% IBM Compatible, but people saw this as less important given IBM’s lower profile in the UK business microcomputer market.  The relationship with Victor also led to an agreement that ACT would manufacture the Sirius in Scotland. Meanwhile, Victor returned the favour with the potential for Apricot to be manufactured in California for the US market.

The unique design of the Apricot PC was outsourced to a British design agency known as QED – later known as ‘Sector Group’. Following that, it was then finalised by ACT’s own ‘Advanced Technology Division’ near Birmingham.  They established their manufacturing hub in a new factory in Glenrothes, Scotland. This location would gain the nickname ‘Silicon Glen’ for it’s preponderance of high technology residents.