Sinclair Microvision 2700 Flat-Screen, Handheld Television

In honor of Sir Clive Sinclair, who passed away September 16, today’s post features his Microvision 2700 flat-screen TV.

Sir Clive Sinclair and the Sinclair Microvision 2700 prototype
Source: Sinclair Research, 1981

Sir Clive was best known for his inexpensive Sinclair brand computers: the ZX80 and ZX81, Spectrum line, and QL. He was a prolific inventor whose achievements include the Cambridge Scientific Calculator and the C5 single-seater electric vehicle.

The Microvision is fondly remembered by its owners. Announced in 1981 by Sinclair Research, the 2700 was one of the later models. The first model was introduced in 1966 by Sir Clive’s first company but never actually sold. The next iteration, called the TV1A, appeared in 1976 and sold in the US for $400. An improved model, the TV1B, was introduced in 1978, but Sinclair Radionics folded the following year.

The Microvision 2700 was a different design than the earlier Sinclair TVs. It was smaller (6 by 4 by 1 inches), lighter, used a flat-screen rather than CRT display, and had a built-in FM radio. It was designed on behalf of Timex, which would sell the TV for £50.