Texas Instruments TI-99/4 (1979-1981)
Texas Instruments TI-99/4 (1979-1981)
Texas Instruments
TI-99/4
🥇First Commercially-Released 16-Bit Home Computer
The TI-99/4, released in late 1979 by Texas Instruments for a premium $1,150, was a landmark machine as the world's first 16-bit personal computer, powered by an ambitious advanced microprocessor. Despite its technical "under-the-hood" superiority, the system was famously hindered by a series of restrictive design choices, most notably a cramped, rubbery "chiclet-style" keyboard that was widely disliked by typists and a lack of lowercase lettering. Unlike its more successful successor, the 4A, the original model relied on a specialized Zenith 13-inch color monitor bundled with the unit because it lacked the internal hardware to connect to standard home televisions. Its software library was largely confined to proprietary plastic cartridges because Texas Instruments initially refused to share technical specifications with outside developers, a move that severely limited its library and caused it to struggle against the more approachable Apple II and TRS-80.
Acquired from: eBay.com
