The VidoBrain
The VidoBrain was manufactured by Umtech in December 1977 and is considered the first entry-level home computer.
It is the first computer to use ROM-based cartridges for instant program loading.
This is a much simpler and more reliable process for consumers than loading software from the notoriously fallible 5.25-inch tapes or floppy disks used by today’s “competitors”.
The joysticks are of good quality.
The keyboard, which is not very user-friendly, only has 36 keys that are a little too close to type comfortably. Number keys and special character keys are all shared with alpha keys.
The VidoBrain was sold primarily through magazine ads, but some Northern California stores had it for a short time.
Different “packs” were available: System 100 $ 500 with the financial cassette; System 200 $ 600 with Cartridges Financier, Music Teacher 1, Math Tutor 1, Wordw ise, Checkers and others (see below).
The Expander 1 offers 2 serial RS-232 ports and connections for a cassette recorder for loading and saving data. The expander 2, which is connected to the expander 1, offers an acoustic modem with 300 baud for telecommunications and is only accessible via the “timeshare” cassette.
The VidoBrain does not have to be switched off to insert or change cartridges. Simply slide the cartridge into the cartridge slot and close the compartment.
Jerry Lawson is best known for inventing the first ROM cartridge he created for the video game console: the Fairchild Channel F.
The VidoBrain was designed by Albert Yu and David Chung, who previously worked at Fairchild Semiconductor. David Chung is the inventor of the Fairchild F8 processor, which powers the VidoBrain, but also the console mentioned above.
The manufacturer only produces 21 cartridges for the VidoBrain. Below Black Jack, Ladies, Financial, Flipper, Gladiator and Math Tutor 1.
Below music teacher 1, lemonade stand, tennis, vice versa, video artist, Wordwise-1 and Wordwise-2.
The motherboard was shielded with metal to meet the Federal Communications Commission’s requirements for limiting radio frequency emissions.
It is possible to purchase them, but there are few offers. Be patient if you want to complete your collection.
Video bonus: