Mindset-The graphics workstation you've never heard of!
The 8-Bit Guy・2 minutes read
Local YouTubers discovered the rare Mindset computer and its components in a Dallas warehouse, showcasing its unique design and advanced features. Despite software compatibility issues and a lack of games, the Mindset failed in the market due to its revolutionary design and collaboration with Bill Gates.
Insights
- The Mindset computer, introduced in 1984, boasted innovative features like a detachable disk drive with extra RAM and expansion ports, unique analog joystick, and a power switch on the keyboard, but its software compatibility issues and lack of game availability led to its market failure despite advanced graphics and sound capabilities.
- Detailed examination of the Mindset's internals revealed components like a Malaysian CPU, Intel microcontrollers, eeproms for system ROM, dynamic RAM, and an 8-bit digital to analog converter for potential digital audio samples, showcasing its advanced technology for the time and collaboration with Bill Gates for improved Windows operations.
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Recent questions
What is the Mindset computer and its unique features?
The Mindset computer, introduced in 1984, is known for its modern design with a detachable disk drive section. It features expansion ports and extra RAM in the disk module, along with expansion slots for various cards at the rear. Unique aspects include a power switch on the keyboard and a joystick with analog movement.
Why did the Mindset computer fail in the market?
Despite its advanced graphics and sound capabilities, the Mindset computer failed due to software compatibility issues and a lack of available games. Only one subpar game was available for the system, leading to its downfall in the market.
What components make up the complete Mindset setup?
The complete Mindset setup includes the computer itself, a keyboard, a mouse, and a joystick. The computer features a detachable disk drive section with extra RAM and expansion ports, enhancing its capabilities.
What were the notable findings upon disassembling the Mindset computer?
Upon disassembling the Mindset computer, it was discovered that the power supply running constantly caused discoloration. The system's motherboard contained a CPU from Malaysia, two Intel microcontrollers, system ROM on eeproms, dynamic RAM, and additional RAM in the drive expansion unit.
Who collaborated on the development of the Mindset computer for faster Windows operation?
Bill Gates collaborated on the development of the Mindset computer to enhance its video capabilities for faster Windows operation. The system featured an 8-bit digital to analog converter for potential digital audio samples, despite the absence of a recognizable sound chip.
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Summary
00:00
Rare 1984 Mindset Computer Found Complete
- The story of the Mindset computer begins in 1984, but gained attention in Dallas in May 2019.
- Local YouTubers explored the Computer Reset Warehouse, uncovering vintage electronics.
- A local YouTuber, TX DJ, found the rare Mindset computer and its missing keyboard.
- The Mindset keyboard was located by someone else in an unrelated part of the building.
- The complete Mindset setup includes the computer, keyboard, mouse, and joystick.
- The Mindset, from 1984, features a modern design with a detachable disk drive section.
- The disk module contains extra RAM and expansion ports, enhancing the system.
- The rear of the Mindset showcases expansion slots for various cards like audio and printer modules.
- The Mindset's unique features include a power switch on the keyboard and joystick with analog movement.
- The Mindset's software compatibility issues led to its failure in the market despite its advanced features.
14:04
"Mindset: 1984 computer with advanced graphics"
- The computer, Mindset, released in 1984, failed due to its lack of games despite advanced graphics and sound capabilities, with only one game available that was deemed subpar.
- Upon disassembling the Mindset, it was noted that the power supply constantly running caused discoloration, and the system's serial number indicated it was likely a typical surviving unit.
- The motherboard of the Mindset contained a CPU from Malaysia, two identical Intel slave microcontrollers, system ROM on a pair of eeproms, 32K of dynamic RAM, and additional RAM in the drive expansion unit.
- The absence of a recognizable sound chip was noted, but an 8-bit digital to analog converter was found, suggesting potential for digital audio samples, while the system's advanced video capabilities were highlighted, with Bill Gates collaborating on its development for faster Windows operation.
