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Tatung Einstein

TC-01 · 1984 · desktop

Specifications

Cpu: Zilog Z80A, 4 MHz
Ram: max: 64 KB system RAM · base: 64 KB (plus 16 KB dedicated video RAM)
Ports: RS-232 serial port · 2x analogue joystick ports · External disc interface · Tatung Pipe expansion port · Centronics printer port · RGB and composite video out
Display: TMS9918-family VDP: 256x192 graphics, 16 colors, up to 32 sprites · AY-3-8910 3-voice sound
Storage: base: Built-in 3" floppy drive (Hitachi mechanism), with a bay for a second internal drive · options: Second internal 3" drive · External 3", 3.5", or 5.25" drives via the disc interface
Os Support: latest: Xtal DOS; much CP/M 2.2 software runs, which kept the Einstein alive as a game developers' cross-development machine · shipped: MOS (Machine Operating System) in ROM, with Xtal DOS (CP/M-compatible) and Xtal BASIC loaded from disc
Release Price: £499

Variants

Revisions

Einstein TC-01TC-011984 original

Einstein 256TC-2561985 revision with an upgraded video subsystem and more video memory

Upgrade paths

storage

Second internal 3" floppy drive in the factory bay · The case shipped with a blanked second bay; the twin-drive configuration was common among the UK game studios (Ocean, Software Projects era) that used Einsteins as development machines.

EASY