The Zorba is one of the last 8 bits portable computer running the CP/M operating system. Its features were almost identical to the Kaypro II.
The Zorba was first manufactured and sold by Telcon, a company specialized in telecomunication equipments manufacturing.
For $190 more, the user could order the Perfect Software Package including the 'Perfect Writer' word processor, the 'Perfect Speller' spell checker, the 'Perfect Filer' database manager and the 'Perfect Calc' spreadsheet.
Having spent a lot of money designing the Zorba, Telcon was seeking for new investors to market its portable and settle a network sales. It was then bought up by ModComp (Modular Computer), a company specialized in mini-computer manufacturing. A group called Modular Micro Group, specialized in Zorba marketing was created. In spite of that, results were very bad and one year after its launch date, Zorba computers stock was sold to a company specialized in selling off surplus stocks, wich sold them at a very low price.
Zorba users were nevertheless very satisfied. They were able to read practically every existing CP/M floppy format. Its several video emulations (H19/Z19/VT52) allowed them to run virtually any existing CP/M software.
Please consider donating your old computer / videogame system to Old-Computers.com or one of our partners from anywhere in the world (Europe, America, Asia, etc.).
to: Mike McAuliffe If still available, I am interested in your Zorba 7 computer. Please, contact me: nolan77 at gmail dot com
Monday 14th May 2018
nolan
I''ve been looking for a reasonably priced Gemini 9-inch Amber Zorba computer in excellent condition. The Zorba was a great computer, but the drives were the weak link. What I''d love to have is one of these with a USB port! The drive bays could be just for show.
If anyone has a Gemini Zorba with working drives they''d be willing to sell, I''d love to have one to type a book on. Just $ me a line.
Friday 9th March 2018
John Roberts (Bethesda, MD USA)
Hi, I have inherited a Zorba 7 in excellent condition and complete with printed manual. Any takers? Make an offer.
Cheers, Mike
Monday 5th November 2012
Mike McAuliffe (Brisbane, Australia 4061)
NAME
Zorba
MANUFACTURER
Telcon Industries
TYPE
Portable
ORIGIN
U.S.A.
YEAR
1983
END OF PRODUCTION
1984
BUILT IN LANGUAGE
None
KEYBOARD
Detachable 95 keys with 19 function keys and numeric keypad
CPU
Z80-A
SPEED
4 Mhz.
RAM
64 KB
ROM
Unknown
TEXT MODES
80 chars. x 25 lines
GRAPHIC MODES
None
COLORS
Monochrome. 7'' green CRT
SOUND
Beeper
SIZE / WEIGHT
11 Kg.
I/O PORTS
Serial, Parallel, IEEE-488
BUILT IN MEDIA
2 x 380 KB 5'' diskette drives, single or double density
