On 11/06/2015 09:00 AM, Bob Shuster via vcf-midatlantic wrote:
I believe an 8-bit Atari system needs to be part of any exhibit concerning early microcomputers, either an Atari 400 or Atari 800. The first one came out in 1979 and was a logical extension to the successful Atari 2600 gaming console and was a big part of the “home computer as gaming console” movement. Star Raiders was the best game and a big selling point! If nothing else, Atari remained an important computer manufacturer, pushing the leading edge (for example first computer to include a MIDI interface with the ST line) and should be represented.
I'd argue against the ST, at this point in history the clone army had won. ;-) The ST wasn't a good machine it was an after thought in design. I had one and I'm an Atarian, I have no love for that machine other than it got my hands on a 68K chip.
Also noticeably missing is the TI 99/4 or 4a. Among the first (if not *the* first) 16-bit home computers, and the TI 99/4a held about 35% of the home computer market at its peak before Jack Tramiel and Commodore buried them.
35%? Really? Doesn't that seems a bit high? I recall the Apple, the Commodore 64 and the Atari 800 being the home computer big 3. That doesn't mean I'm correct just recollection.
I definitely believe Atari and Texas Instruments should be represented as important companies in early home computing.
I would also make a half-hearted appeal for a Mattel Aquarius computer, the least-successful home computer ever. This came out in 1983 to compete with the VIC-20 and TI 99/4a, and was cancelled four months later. About 8,000 were sold.
With no room at the inn, not likely. But as a future display of home computer wars, that would make for an interesting part of the display. -- Linux Home Automation Neil Cherry ncherry@linuxha.com http://www.linuxha.com/ Main site http://linuxha.blogspot.com/ My HA Blog Author of: Linux Smart Homes For Dummies