Dragon Data Ltd

 

Founding and Early Years

Dragon Data Ltd. was established in 1982 in Wales, United Kingdom, as a subsidiary of the toy company Mettoy. The company aimed to capitalize on the growing demand for home computers during the early 1980s. Dragon Data's first products, the Dragon 32 and Dragon 64, were designed to compete with other popular home computers of the time, such as the Sinclair ZX Spectrum and the Commodore 64.

The Dragon 32, released in 1982, was a 32 KB RAM machine, while the Dragon 64, introduced a year later, offered 64 KB of RAM and additional features like an RS-232 serial port. Both models were based on the Motorola 6809E processor and shared similarities with the Tandy TRS-80 Color Computer.

Notable Products

Dragon Data's product lineup was relatively small but impactful:

• Dragon 32 (1982): The company's flagship product, the Dragon 32, was a robust and versatile home computer. It featured a Microsoft Extended BASIC interpreter and supported a range of peripherals, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity.

• Dragon 64 (1983): An upgraded version of the Dragon 32, the Dragon 64 offered more memory and additional connectivity options, such as a built-in RS-232 serial port for communication with other devices.

• Dragon Alpha and Beta (Prototypes): Dragon Data worked on next-generation computers, codenamed Dragon Alpha and Beta, which were intended to compete with emerging 16-bit systems. Unfortunately, these prototypes never reached production due to the company's financial difficulties.

Key Developments

Dragon Data initially experienced strong sales and positive reception for its computers. The machines were praised for their sturdy build quality and compatibility with a wide range of software. The company also attracted a dedicated user base, supported by publications like Dragon User magazine.

However, Dragon Data faced challenges in expanding its market share. The delay in releasing the Dragon 64 and the lack of advanced graphics capabilities limited the appeal of its computers, particularly in the gaming market. Additionally, the introduction of external disk drives and supporting software came too late to make a significant impact.

Decline and Dissolution

Dragon Data's fortunes began to decline in 1983 when its parent company, Mettoy, faced financial difficulties. The company was spun off as an independent entity but struggled to compete with more advanced and affordable computers from rivals like Sinclair and Commodore.

In 1984, Dragon Data went into receivership and was acquired by the Spanish company Eurohard. Under Eurohard's ownership, the Dragon 200 (a rebranded Dragon 64) was released, but the company continued to face financial challenges. Eurohard eventually filed for bankruptcy in 1987, marking the end of Dragon computers.

What Are They Doing Today?

While Dragon Data no longer exists, its legacy lives on among retro computing enthusiasts. The Dragon 32 and 64 are celebrated for their unique place in computing history, and dedicated communities continue to preserve and explore these systems. Online archives, emulators, and collector groups ensure that the story of Dragon computers remains alive.