VTech PreComputer 1000
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The VTech Precomputer 1000 is an electronic learning aid for ages 9 and above
The PreComputer 1000 is VTech's first child learning product to incorporate the BASIC programming language and is the predecessor to the PreComputer 2000.
Specifications
The VTech PreComputer 1000 relies upon a Zilog Z84C0004PEC (a
A Toshiba TC531000CP 1MBit (128Kx8bit) 128K ROM contains the Operating System and program data.[4] This ROM can be augmented when a cartridge is inserted into the side mounted cartridge slot and then selected, thus providing expansion capability.
Text output is supplied by a single row 20 character
Functions
The following functions are available on the unit:[6]
- Typing course
- Fact quizzes (250 facts in each of the following categories: General Knowledge, History, Science & Geography)
- Mathematics activities (5 activities for 1 or 2 players)
- Games (1 single player typing game, Hangman and Scramble)
- Calculator
- BASIC (stylized as PRE-BASIC 1.0) programming with 9 example programs
BASIC implementation
PRE-BASIC 1.0 is a simplified
Supported features include:[6]
- Single character variable names for numbers and strings
- String and numeric arrays up to three dimensions
- Data manipulationwith LET.. DATA.. READ.. RESTORE
- Input and output with LIST.. PRINT.. INPUT
- Mathematical functions (e.g. ABS, SGN, TAN)
- Logical operations (e.g. NOT, OR, AND)
- String handling (e.g. LEFT$, CHR$)
- Flow control with IF.. THEN.. ELSE, FOR.. TO.. NEXT.. STEP and GOSUB.. RETURN
- Single channel sound with 31 notes and 9 durations
Expansion Cartridges
The following cartridges were available for the
- Bible Knowledge (Stock Code: 80-0989)
- Fantasy Trivia[7] (Stock Code: 80-1001)
- General Knowledge II (Stock Code: 80-1002)
- Super Science (Stock Code: 80-1410)
- Speller (Stock Code: 80-1004)
- Famous places and things (Stock Code: 80-1533) - Marketed for both PreComputer 1000 and 2000
The same Toshiba TC531000CP 128K ROM is used in some cartridges.[7]
References
- ^ a b VTech UK Advertising Flyer Ref: 95-0155-18
- ASIN B000BSI01W.
- ^ "VTech Laptops". YouTube.
- ^ a b c 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. 2020-07-07. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
- ^ a b c d "VTech PreComputer 3in1 Computer Teacher Course Book".
- ^ a b "Precomputer 1000 Fantasy Trivia". Imgur. 2020-07-09. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
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 31, 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.)