VTech PreComputer 1000

Today, VTech PreComputer 1000 is a topic of great relevance and interest to society in general. With the advancement of technology and globalization, VTech PreComputer 1000 has become an increasingly important topic in different areas, from politics to science. In this article we will explore in detail the different aspects related to VTech PreComputer 1000, from its origin and evolution to its impact today. In addition, we will analyze the different perspectives and opinions about VTech PreComputer 1000, in order to offer a complete and objective vision of this topic that is so relevant today.

The VTech Precomputer 1000 is an electronic learning aid for ages 9 and above manufactured by VTech and released in August 21 1988 (USA) and 1989 (Europe). It contains a dot matrix LCD screen, and a standard size keyboard. It features a number of activities, including trivia on science, history and general knowledge.

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 Z80B clone) as its processing core. A 16Kbit (2Kx8bit) 2K Sharp LH5116-10 or Hyundai HY6116ALP-10 SRAM is used for RAM. As of 1992, a CMOS version of the Z80 marketed as the Z84 is used.

A Toshiba TC531000CP 1MBit (128Kx8bit) 128K ROM contains the Operating System and program data. 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 dot-matrix LCD panel, sound output is via an inbuilt piezo element beeper.

Functions

The following functions are available on the unit:

  • 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 unstructured BASIC implementation includes a simple line editor with the ability to change, insert or delete characters on a program line.

Supported features include:

  • Single character variable names for numbers and strings
  • String and numeric arrays up to three dimensions
  • Data manipulation with 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 PreComputer 1000 and 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)
  • 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.

References

  1. ^ a b VTech UK Advertising Flyer Ref: 95-0155-18
  2. ^ PreComputer 1000 Course Book. VTech Educational Electronics. 1988. ASIN B000BSI01W.
  3. ^ "VTech Laptops". YouTube.
  4. ^ a b c By (2019-11-19). "Teardown: VTech PreComputer 1000 Is An Iconic PC In A Toy Wrapper". Hackaday. Retrieved 2020-06-30.
  5. ^ "Vtech precomputer 1000 1992 PCB". Imgur. 2020-07-07. Retrieved 2020-07-10.
  6. ^ a b c d "VTech PreComputer 3in1 Computer Teacher Course Book".
  7. ^ a b "Precomputer 1000 Fantasy Trivia". Imgur. 2020-07-09. Retrieved 2020-07-10.

External links

Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia