From the ZX Spectrum to Apple II: 80s computers in pictures

A Sinclair ZX80 home computer, sitting on the printout of BASIC programming language Photograph: Alamy

The Sinclair ZX81, launched in the UK in March 1981 Photograph: Andy Drysdale/Rex Features

Sinclair ZX Spectrum with ZX Microdrives Photograph: Alamy

Sinclair QL, an early home computer produced in 1984-85 Photograph: Alamy

The BBC Micro was designed and built by Acorn Computers for the BBC Computer Literacy Project, in the 1980s Photograph: SSPL via Getty Images

The 8-bit Commodore VIC 20 home computer, from 1983 Photograph: Manchester Daily Express/SSPL via Getty images

The Commodore C64, an 8-bit home computer introduced in January 1982 by Commodore International Photograph: Interfoto/Alamy

Apple II computer in Shanghai, China in April 1985 Photograph: Owen Franken/Corbis

An Apple IIE manufactured from January 1983 to Feburary 1985, with the game Frogger Photograph: ZUMA Wire Service/Alamy