Mindset computer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Mindset was sold around 1984 as a high-end graphics workstation which was somewhat PC compatible. Based on Intel's 80186, it had proprietary VLSI chips that enhanced and speed up the graphics. It also had dual front-mounted ROM cartridge ports which had a unique locking knob on the left side of the main computer module to lock the ROM modules into place. A dual 5.25 floppy drive module that sat above the main unit was available and part of the common sales configuration for the system. The case was well designed and distinctive enough to get it into the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Mindset's design was modular in many aspects. The top of the case had an opening to access its systems bus, this allowed for the expansion module to plug into the main computer module to add memory and one or two disk drives. The Mindset was designed by ex-Atari engineers like the Amiga 1000, another computer of the era with an advanced graphics subsystem and modular expandability. Atari tried to buy Mindset's technology after their attempt to purchase Amiga failed, and the Atari ST featured many of the same graphics modes in a similar system architecture.
Contents |
[edit] Rear Ports
The rear of the computer is equipped with the following ports:
Audio Left
Composite Out
TV/RF
Channel 3/4 Select Switch
RGB Video
EXT Sync
Aux In
Aux Out
The rear of the main computer module also has 3 36 Pin Expansion bus slots.
The Dual Disk/Memory Expansion Unit adds an additional 3 36 Pin Expansion bus slots to the system.
[edit] Expansion Modules
Dual Disk Drive / Memory Expansion Module
Parallel "Cartridge Module"
Serial "Cartridge Module"
Modem "Cartridge Module"
[edit] Peripherals
Mouse
Analog joystick
Touch Tablet
