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Clive Sinclair, Computing Pioneer, Dies

Clive Sinclair, a technology entrepreneur and the developer of one of the first home computers, died in September following a decade-long battle with cancer.

Born near London in 1940 into a family of engineers, Sinclair is credited with creating the world’s first electronic calculator in 1972. His first mass-market home computer, the Sinclair Model ZX80, was released in 1980 in the United Kingdom (his home country), and sold for just under £80 in kit form, and for less than £100 fully built. The ZX80 and its successor model the ZX81 quickly ranked among the best-selling home computer models in the UK and the U.S.

Later in his career, Sinclair also actively explored the development of other advanced electrical and electronic technologies, including smartwatches and battery electric vehicles, and even a folding bicycle intended for commuters.

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Sinclair was knighted by Queen Elizabeth in 1983 and was made a fellow by the Imperial College of London in 1984. He was 81 years old at the time of his death.

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