LGR - BBC Micro Computer System Review

The BBC Microcomputer was Acorn's follow-up to the Atom, and launched in 1981. Largely due to its BBC backing, the computer was quite successful in the UK, especially among schools and businesses. But is it still worth owning to a current collector of vintage computers?
This is an overview of the history, hardware, and software of the Beeb from the perspective of an American collector. How do the pros and cons stack up, and is it worth getting a Beeb over its cut-down sibling, the Electron?
Many thanks to Mark from the UK for the BBC Model B!
Also a big thanks to ImperialProductions for the Acornsoft software!
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For lots of great info on the Beeb, check out Stairway To Hell:
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Photo credits: Wikimedia Commons and Phil Gyford, used under Creative Commons 2.0 attribution license. Also some from the excellent site, Chris's Acorns.