On opening the box, an impressive, and exciting-looking, machine lay before us. Its style was very similar to the QL, squarer, and much more solid-looking than the usual Spectrum, even inch a "real" computer. What wonderous electronics were hidden beneath the case? Perhaps an American TS2068 Operating System?

The first thing to strike me was that the keyboard no longer consisted of the rubber pads which put off so many people, and that the colourful key legends had all been replaced by white letters on black keys.

Secondly, the user manual was different and, although not so artistic on the cover, was full of colourful pictures and interesting-looking examples, albeit somewhat thinner than the original.

Finally, the Horizons tape (as supplied with the ordinary Spectrum) has been replaced with a cassette containing six, new, programs.

Examining the computer more carefully revealed that, in fact, it was the 48K Spectrum PCB we know - housed in a new keyboard. This means of course that the wealth of Spectrum software will still be usable on the Spectrum+ much to the relief of many I would imagine!

All the Spectrum hardware peripherals will also be compatible, although due to the raised height of the case some units which have a "lip" to fit over the normal keyboard will not fit securely. This includes such established items as DK'Tronics, Kempston and Cheetah Interfaces. It is, of course, fully compatible with the ZX Microdrives and the Sinclair Interfaces I and II.

So let's take a critical look, remembering that for roughly the same cost, £179.95, you could buy a Spectrum and a separate keyboard.

This appears (without dismantling the computer) to be the standard membrane-type with rubber keys topped off by plastic keys. This actually works quite well, the action is firm and the keys spring back quickly. They feel good to touch and travel solidly down with the exception of the two CAPS SHIFT and the ENTER key which tend to wobble somewhat. The half size space bar however, is well balanced and it does not suffer from this.

To anyone used to using a typewriter the keys may seem a little quiet - no satisfying click - and they are a little close together for fast typing, but perhaps this is a matter of getting used to and only time will tell. The keys are, like the QL's, flat but with slightly raised, dished pads to them.

A nice touch is the addition of two rear legs which may be lowered to give the keyboard a slant forward. Of course, if you have anything attached to the port at the back it then is left hanging in the air by its connector!

One impressive feature is the addition and choice of extra keys. The most obvious is the mini-space bar, but there are a total of 58 keys in all.

A double-sized CAPS SHIFT key is provided at the bottom of each side of the keyboard, and the ENTER key is a large inverse L shaped key a la QL.

At each bottom corner a symbol shift key is provided and single key entry or access of True-Video, Inverse Video, Delete, Graphics, Extended (E) mode, Edit, Caps Lock, Break, ; " , . and the cursor keys is also provided. This layout makes programming much easier, and once you get used to it, it is a great advantage.

The extra cursor keys are nicely positioned for games players but unfortunately, because they are already Caps Shifted, won't work on many of the existing games using the cursor keys. Finally, on the left, tucked safely under the overhang of the top of the keyboard is a small button. This is the RESET button. When stuck in a game which has disabled the Break key, or when your computer locks up with that machine code routine, no longer do you have to keep pulling out the plug. Just press the button! A great saving on the wear-and-tear of the Power socket.

This is a much better manual than the original. It's bright, well written, interesting and it starts with the setting up of your computer and then leaps straight in with simple programs.

Colour photographs have been used to show examples of the screen display at the important stages and the whole approach is geared to simple explanations. Some owners of Spectrums were keen to borrow the manual and try out some of the little programs. One person said, after trying the UDG section: "Oh! So that's how Binary and UDG's are related!" - and he has had his Spectrum for nearly eight months.

Although the manual is a slimmer volume, as far as I can see all the information held in the original is included in this one. The only criticism I can think of is that experienced users may find it confusing to find out a specific item of information - i.e. The hex code of a particular character.

The keyboard is a great improvement, and the extra keys make programming much easier, but my tame touch typist found them unsuitable for typing at speed.

I found that although I've been using a Spectrum for as long as they've been available, the fact that keywords are printed in white on the key caused confusion. Finding some of them took a bit of searching and yet I thought I knew all their positions. Actually, they are laid out quite logically; command keywords and symbol shift keywords are on the dished part of the key and the old E mode green and red keywords are on the flat bit behind the key. Again perhaps time and practice will remove this problem.

If you play games and use the keyboard the more positive action and dished tops are much better, although because some of the key positions have been adjusted, some of the games are now more awkward to play. If you use a joystick and interface then there is of course no difference!

A beautiful-looking machine which is a bit improvement on the basic Spectrum. It is not perfect, but then what computer is! The manual is one of the best I've seen, especially for beginners, and that includes those for some very expensive machines.

Sinclair Research tell me that they have no plans to sell the keyboard separately - so that the old style Spectrums can't be upgraded - but that the manual will be on sale in most computer shops for £4.95.

Personally, I think there are keyboards around that are as good, if not better, for about the same price as this one costs - especially if you want a specific feature such as the numeric keypads to be found on some. However for those who do not want the fuss of adding their own, this is a good alternative. A fully keyboard owner was quite envious!

It seems that Sir Clive has listened to the critics and made an effort to modify his machine with their comments in mind. All things considered, I would say that the price is a little high for what you get. At around ten pounds less the Spectrum+ would be excellent value for money.