The Texas Instruments TI-99/4A, while technically part of the 8-bit generation, stood apart with its unique quirks. Its 16-bit processor was hampered by a sluggish 3MHz clock speed and a convoluted memory access system, leading to underwhelming performance. Despite having advanced features like sprites and smooth scrolling, the TI-99/4A was held back by its limited color palette, expensive peripherals, and a small, cartridge-based game library compared to its competitors. Its unusual design choices and limitations, while intriguing, ultimately contributed to its commercial failure, solidifying its status as an oddity of the 8-bit era.
The MSXbook OneChipMSX is a compact, portable MSX2 computer contained within a book-like form factor. It features a Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller emulating a Z80 processor, offering a faithful MSX2 experience. The system includes a membrane keyboard, a small LCD screen, integrated SD card storage for ROMs and data, and various ports for connecting peripherals like joysticks and external displays. Intended for retro gaming and MSX development, the OneChipMSX aims to provide a convenient and affordable way to enjoy the classic MSX platform.
Hacker News users discussed the OneChipMSX's appeal stemming from nostalgia for the MSX standard, particularly in Europe and South America. Several commenters reminisced about their experiences with MSX computers in their youth. Some expressed interest in the device but questioned the high price, while others debated the practicality of emulating MSX versus owning dedicated hardware. The open-source nature and FPGA implementation were praised. There was some discussion about potential use cases like introducing younger generations to retro computing or connecting to CRT televisions for an authentic experience. The lack of a built-in keyboard was also noted.
Vic-20 Elite is a curated collection of high-quality games and demos for the Commodore VIC-20, emphasizing hidden gems and lesser-known titles. The project aims to showcase the system's potential beyond its popular classics, offering a refined selection with improved loading speeds via a custom menu system. The collection focuses on playability, technical prowess, and historical significance, providing context and information for each included program. Ultimately, Vic-20 Elite strives to be the definitive curated experience for enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering a convenient and engaging way to explore the VIC-20's diverse software library.
HN users discuss the impressive feat of creating an Elite-like game on the VIC-20, especially given its limited resources. Several commenters reminisce about playing Elite on other platforms like the BBC Micro and express admiration for the technical skills involved in this port. Some discuss the challenges of working with the VIC-20's memory constraints and its unique sound chip. A few users share their own experiences with early game development and the intricacies of 3D graphics programming on limited hardware. The overall sentiment is one of nostalgia and appreciation for the ingenuity required to bring a complex game like Elite to such a constrained platform.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43070558
Several Hacker News commenters reminisce fondly about the TI-99/4A, praising its impressive sound and graphics for its time. Some recall the unique peripheral expansion system and fondly remember specific games like Parsec and Alpiner. A few discuss the limitations, such as the slow CPU and unconventional keyboard, and the business decisions that led to the TI-99/4A's ultimate failure. The unusual cartridge design and TI's strategy of locking out third-party developers also come up as points of discussion, contributing to the system's "weird uncle" status. Others lament the loss of TI's groundbreaking speech synthesizer module. Overall, the comments paint a picture of a system with significant potential hampered by corporate mismanagement, making it a fascinating footnote in computing history.
The Hacker News post discussing the TI-99/4A has a moderate number of comments, offering a mix of personal experiences, technical insights, and historical context. Several commenters share nostalgic memories of the TI-99/4A, recalling its unique features and quirks. One user recounts their father purchasing the computer and the excitement surrounding it, while also acknowledging its limitations compared to other systems of the time. Another fondly remembers the speech synthesizer peripheral and the thrill of hearing the computer "talk."
Several comments delve into the technical aspects of the TI-99/4A, discussing its unique architecture, particularly the TMS9900 processor and its unusual memory management. One commenter highlights the challenges posed by the 16-bit processor being constrained by a 16-bit memory bus, and the impact this had on performance. The unusual video display processor (the TMS9918A) is also mentioned, with some noting its capabilities while others discuss its limitations.
The TI-99/4A's place in the broader 8-bit era is also a subject of discussion. Several comments compare it to other popular systems of the time, such as the Commodore 64 and the Apple II, noting its relative strengths and weaknesses. One commenter argues that the TI-99/4A's limited success was due in part to Texas Instruments' closed-platform approach, contrasting it with the more open and expandable nature of its competitors. The marketing strategy of Texas Instruments is also brought up, with some suggesting that the company's initial focus on cartridges and later pivot to cheaper, less robust, tape storage contributed to its decline.
Some commenters also touch upon the legacy of the TI-99/4A and its influence on later systems. One user points out the impressive sound capabilities for its time, attributing them to the TMS9919 sound chip. Another discusses the community of enthusiasts who continue to support and develop for the system today. Overall, the comments paint a picture of the TI-99/4A as a unique and somewhat misunderstood machine, appreciated by those who experienced it firsthand and recognized for its innovative, if ultimately commercially unsuccessful, features. A few commenters mention specific games or software titles, further illustrating the personal connection many users had with this particular computer.