I used all of these as a kid, and they were the precursor to my C64 and C128. The TI 99/4A was the first real computer I ever used - real in the sense that it had a keyboard!
It's a good thing that the FCC clamped down on RF emissions. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to run computers near each other. A TRS-80 and a Milton Bradley Big Trak (a programmable toy tank) would, if near each other, both crash from RF interference.
RFI incompatibility is almost forgotten as a problem now. That did not happen by accident.
I used all of these as a kid, and they were the precursor to my C64 and C128. The TI 99/4A was the first real computer I ever used - real in the sense that it had a keyboard!
It's a good thing that the FCC clamped down on RF emissions. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to run computers near each other. A TRS-80 and a Milton Bradley Big Trak (a programmable toy tank) would, if near each other, both crash from RF interference.
RFI incompatibility is almost forgotten as a problem now. That did not happen by accident.
> trs80
Didn't they put a metal can around the pcb, like they did with the c64 and nes? FWIW, I don't remember them putting one on the zx spectrum either...
Edit: yes I know some c64s had a partial paper shield instead ;)
Dull title, but this is from the "Creatures of Thought" blog, which has constantly been really good.
(Also a bunch of stuff about steam engines, the industrial revolution, etc.)