Sord M5

Sord Computer Systems entered the home computer market in the early 1980s with the M5, a machine engineered for graphics and sound capabilities uncommon in its class, though constrained by limited base memory and a fragmented software expansion model.

The Sord M5, also marketed as the SORD M5 Creative Computer, emerged as a deliberate pivot by Sord, previously known for office systems, into the hobby computer market⁷. Its design prioritized visual and audio performance over raw memory, featuring a Z80A microprocessor running at 3.6 MHz² and 20K of total RAM, of which only 4K bytes were allocated as system RAM²³⁹. This tight memory footprint was immediately flagged as a liability in period assessments, especially when compared to competitors offering 48K configurations at lower price points¹.

What the M5 lacked in base memory it attempted to compensate for with specialized graphics and sound hardware. It supported two distinct graphics modes: GII, offering a 192 x 256 resolution with two colors per 1 x 8 pixel block², and a multi-colour mode at 48 x 64 pixels with unrestricted color combination². The machine dedicated 16K bytes of Video-RAM to graphics processing³⁹ and supported 32 user-definable sprites, referred to in documentation as "special figures", enabling smooth animation and game development²³⁷. A 16-colour palette was available for display²⁷, though exact color specifications remain undocumented.

Sound was handled by an SN76489A chip, providing three tone channels and one noise channel². The inclusion of a PLAY statement in its BASIC environment and support for multiple note forms, such as organ and piano, gave it an edge in audio programming². These features made the M5 particularly attractive to games programmers, who could achieve "stunning effects with the minimum of fuss"¹.

The machine shipped with a 55-key touch-sensitive keyboard described as "typewriterlike"¹³, housed in a two-tone grey case with yellow and white lettering, measuring 262 x 185 x 36mm and weighing 1kg¹. Its construction was noted for a clean, high-quality PCB layout with no visible last-minute modifications¹. Access to internal components was severely restricted; the service manual warned that opening the case risked damaging the ribbon cable connecting the keyboard¹. A lift-up lid provided access to the cartridge slot, reinforcing the machine's sealed, consumer-ready design¹.

Software came primarily via ROM cartridges and audio cassettes³. The base package included the BASIC-I (Introductory) cartridge, but full utilization of the machine required additional purchases: the BASIC-G cartridge enabled graphics and sound commands and reportedly added either 4K or 8K of user memory, a discrepancy between sources²⁴⁵. The FALC cartridge offered a database and spreadsheet function and was described as a "programming aid closer to ordinary language than Basic"¹⁷. Game tapes typically contained two full-color, sound-enhanced titles²⁴⁵. Most ROM packs were 16K bytes in size³.

Expansion options included a 32K memory add-on²⁴⁵, a 160K microfloppy disk drive using 3-inch media²⁴⁵⁷, an RS-232 interface²⁴⁵, and a supported graphics printer²⁴⁵. Two optional joypads were supported via dedicated controller sockets¹²³.

Pricing varied significantly by region and configuration. In Japan, the base unit cost about $187³, while in the UK it retailed at £149.95 including VAT⁸¹¹. A fully equipped system, capable of TV and cassette connection, reportedly cost $775²⁴⁵. The machine was distributed in Sweden by Scandinavian Micro Computer AB in Gothenburg⁷ and in the UK through Coteglade Ltd of Swansea¹¹. A price reduction was implemented by CGU and Sord UK in late 1983⁸¹¹.

Critics acknowledged the M5’s technical ingenuity but questioned its market viability. While praised as a "very neat and clever machine indeed"¹, its reliance on expensive cartridges to enable core functionality was seen as a major drawback¹. The lack of published memory maps further alienated machine code enthusiasts¹. Despite promotional claims of "unmatched features and maximum flexibility at an affordable price!"²⁴⁵, the need for extensive add-ons pushed the total cost into a competitive disadvantage.

Specifications

References

1. Archive item #198308
2. NZ-bits-and-bytes-issue-1-11
3. 1983 04 BYTE 08-04 New Chips (1983)
4. NZ-bits-and-bytes-issue-2-01
5. NZ-bits-and-bytes-issue-2-01
6. Datorhobby1983-1 (1983)
7. Personal Computing Today (1983-11) (1983)
8. ComputerPersoenlich 83 08
9. Personal Computing Today (1983-11) (1983)