[vcf-midatlantic] new desktop/micro exhibit -- pick 32 now

[Evan Koblentz]

> New entry:
>
> RCA COSMAC Microtutor with 1801 COSMAC chipset (became 1802
> microprocessor). It's small and rare. The museum has one. Dates to 1974
> probably. Other reasons:
>
> First CMOS microprocessor, which matters because many subsequent
> microprocessor used CMOS to reduce power. RCA created the CMOS process
> for digital logic chips and then for the COSMAC.
>
> One of the first microprocessor development products from RCA. The
> COSMAC  microprocessor was developed here in New Jersey. Likely the
> first microprocessor in space. May be the first microprocessor for
> emissions controls in cars (Chrysler).
>
> Direct predecessor of the "COSMAC ELF", a popular you-wire-it COSMAC
> design by the lead COSMAC developer Joseph Weisbecker; published in
> Popular Electronics. Many many versions of the ELF have been created and
> produced every decade since, to the present day.
>
> Used in RCA video game and video terminal products (not that popular but
> known to collectors of early video game computers).


All good points. I think I'd take out the Compaq Portable. Yes it has 
some claims-to-fame as an early PC-compatible, but we'll already have an 
Osborne and a mid-80s compatible desktop in the exhibit.