Welcome to DataServe Retro
Welcome to the all new website!
We have spent the past few months completely updating the old website. Having listened to all the feedback we have tried wherever possible to include the things you have asked for.
Key requests for the main website have been more pages dedicated to technical advice (and repairs in particular), and coverage of a wider range of computers.
In the shop section, a larger "library" with an expanded range to cover more 8-bit computers is under construction and a section dedicated to offering original machine documentation such as manuals and introduction tapes/disks, system disks has been added.
A further section for original peripheral and add-on manuals has been a popular request and has been added - more items will be added to this in the near future.
We have also taken the opportunity to give the site a fresh new look which we hope you will like - your feedback is always welcome !
There is still work to complete and more sections will follow in the coming months. A "Collectors" section of the on-line shop is planned for completely original items, usually boxed and sometimes still sealed, so keep popping back to check - key additions will be listed in the "What's New" section.
For new visitors who don't know us, we are enthusiastic collectors of many types of 1980's retro computer systems (although we specialise in the Sinclair and Amstrad machines) and are more than happy to offer support and advice in a friendly and non-technical way.
This website was originally set up to provide information on the range of 8-bit micro computers we restore and support, focusing on the companies behind them, their development history and sadly for a lot of them, their ultimate demise.
By popular demand, we now also try to offer a range of spares, parts, peripherals, documentation, books and even complete machines whenever possible. These are all offered from our on-line shop which is integrated into the site.
Finally, this site and its shop, are dedicated to preserving, not profiteering. The prices for items reflect their searching out & buying-in prices, plus the costs of repairs and restoration. It is the result of a much loved hobby, not a source of income.
Have fun browsing!
How to use the Site
Navigation around the site is via two sets of menus at the top of each page. The green menu bar across the top of the page with blue section titles navigates the main information and instruction areas of the site. Selection is by a single click.
The real detail of the site is to be found through the white headings just below the green menu bar and to the right - these menu headings often have several sub-catagories (and sub-catagories below them) which fly out when the mouse cursor passes over them - select carefully!
Information can be found in categories specific to the particular manufacturer, click on the manufacturer in the navigation menu to the top right of the page to take you to the category you are interested in. Once selected, an historic overview of the machines they produced and general background information is presented.
Other options from the navigation menu include technical pages, which dive a little deeper into specific models of computer and the quirks and problems associated with them.
By popular request, we have added a "Repairs" section to the navigation bar, showing what we hope are clear instructions on how to carry out many "not too technial", common fault repairs, with full photographs to help.
To look for specific items to purchase, select the
We try to offer as wide a range as possible of peripherals, spares, data media, manuals, books,software and complete computer systems so you can expand your own retro collection. If you don't see what you're looking for, drop us an email and we'll see if we can help.
If you are an ebay fan you will also find a range of spares in our eBay shop http://stores.ebay.co.uk/DataServe-Retro-Computers although the range is much smaller and the prices are a little higher due to the high fees charged by the hosts...
Finally - the site is added to and updated frequently, so check back regularly and keep an eye on the What's New? page if you don’t find what you are looking for.
For more information about DataServe, see our About Us page, or drop us an e-mail.
© DataServe 2008
Visitors to the new DataServe Site