VTech PreComputer 1000
The VTech PreComputer 1000 is an electronic learning aid manufactured by VTech and released in 1988 (USA)[1] and 1989 (Europe). It contains a dot matrix LCD screen, standard size keyboard and a number of activities, including trivia on science, history and general knowledge.[2]
The PreComputer 1000 is VTech's first child learning product to incorporate the BASIC programming language. It is the predecessor to the PreComputer 2000.
Specifications
The VTech PreComputer 1000 relies upon a Z80B[3] clone as it's processing core. A 16Kbit (2Kx8bit) 2K Sharp LH5116-10 or Hyundai HY6116ALP-10 SRAM is used for RAM.[4] As of 1992, a CMOS version of the Z80 marketed as the Z84 is used.
A Toshiba TC531000C 1MBit (128Kx8bit) 128K ROM contains the Operating System and program data[3]. This ROM can be augmented with a different ones when a cartridge is inserted into the side mounted cartridge slot and selected, thus providing expansion capability. The same Toshiba TC531000CP 128K ROM is used in some cartridges.[5]
Text output is supplied by a single row 20 character dot-matrix LCD panel, sound output is via an inbuilt piezo element beeper.
Functions
- Typing course
- Fact quizzes (250 facts in each of the following categories: General Knowledge, History, Science & Geography)
- Maths activities (5 activities for 1 or 2 players)
- Games (1 single player Typing Fun game, 2 two player games of Hangman and Scramble)
- Calculator
- BASIC programming with 9 example programs
Expansion Cartridges
The following cartridges were available for the PreComputer 1000 and were also supported in the PreComputer 2000. The cartridges could only be inserted with the power off before re-powering and pressing the 'Cartridge' button to activate.
- Bible Knowledge (Stock Code: 80-0989)
- Fantasy Trivia (Stock Code: 80-1001)
- General Knowledge II (Stock Code: 80-1002)
- Super Science (Stock Code: 80-1410)
- Speller (Stock Code: 80-1004)
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External Links
- 20th Century Retro Games entry (Gallery page for VTech models 1000, 1000 jr, 2000, ProScreen and Variety)
- BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000 at Vintage Computing and Gaming (May 31st, 2007 by Benj Edwards)
- 5 Amazing '80s Geek Toys and Their Modern Equivalents at Wired (magazine) (June 1, 2012 by Chuck Lawton. Machines include: 100-in-1 electronics kits, Pre-Computer 1000, Etch-a-sketch Animator, Casio VL-1 Keyboard, Meccano Erector Sets.)
References
- ^ PreComputer 1000 Course Book. VTech Educational Electronics. 1988. ASIN B000BSI01W.
- ^ "VTech Laptops". YouTube.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ a b By (2019-11-19). "Teardown: VTech PreComputer 1000 Is An Iconic PC In A Toy Wrapper". Hackaday. Retrieved 2020-06-30.
- ^ "Vtech precomputer 1000 1992 PCB". Imgur. 7/7/2020. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Precomputer 1000 Fantasy Trivia". Imgur. 7/9/2020. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
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