> This would normally result in just being another forgotten also-ran like the Timex Sinclair 2068 (a ZX Spectrum variant for the US that was basically incompatible with all ZX Spectrum software

As proud owner of one, this isn't exactly right.

Turns out one of their factories was in Portugal, so until the 128 K models took off, many Portuguese homes had a Timex instead of the real ZX Spectrum.

And while it was incompatible in default mode, it had an eprom bay that extended its capabilities in various ways, including a being copy of Spectrum 48.

A cartridge that most folks owned as well.

In its incompatible mode, it had a great sound chip, for its time.

The factory was so relevant for Timex culture in Portugal during the 1980's, that there is even a museum.

https://loadzx.com/en/

> And learn - in case you don’t know it yet - about the important role that Portugal played at the TIMEX factory when this phenomenon started in the 80s.

It gets celebrated, not forgotten.