RCR Episode 280: Cheap home computers

About this episode

The episode discusses the introduction of various home computers in 1980, including the VIC-20 and ZX80.

Panelists: Paul Hagstrom (hosting), Quinn Dunki, and Carrington Vanston Topic: 1980 In 1980, Commodore introduced the VIC-20, Sinclair introduced the ZX80, Tandy introduced the Color Computer, and HP tried to breed a computer out of calculators. Also other things happened. Which we discuss! Topic/Feedback links: VIC-20   Sinclair ZX80 See also: MicroAce (timexsinclair.com) HP-85   See also: Tandy PC-4 Tandy Color Computer   Intel 8087   Pac-Man   Epson MX-80 Retro Computing News: ​​ Apple’s best keyboard reimagined (YouTube) Update on the Business IIGS (original auction gone, but: Incider Jan 1989 cover ) Daily news from a dot matrix printer APFram. APFram Atari Portfolio It was all Boris Vallejo Vintage Computer(-related) commercials: Pac-Man Cereal VIC-20 Timex/Sinclair 1000 Retro Computing Gift Idea: Inflatable Pac-Man costume Auction Picks: Carrington: The Usurper, one of the last text adventures The Odyssey, one of the worst named adventure games Paul: Apple-Cat II with expansion box Starring the Computer: Vacation (1983) Apple IIGS upgrade (finished at $720, 11 bids) Blank floppies (finished at $111.50, 9 bids) Because we all want to be able to say…

People in this episode

Host: Paul Hagstrom

Guests: Quinn Dunki, Carrington Vanston

Topics covered

• 1980 home computers
• Commodore VIC-20
• Sinclair ZX80
• Tandy Color Computer
• vintage computing
• retro gaming

Keywords

• VIC-20
• ZX80
• Tandy Color Computer
• retro computing
• 1980
• home computers
• Pac-Man

Mentioned in this episode

Products: VIC-20, ZX80, Color Computer, HP-85, Tandy PC-4, Intel 8087, Pac-Man, Epson MX-80, Apple-Cat II, Vacation (1983)

Books & works: The Usurper, The Odyssey

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