358:
702:
27:
36:
429:, or else be capable of charting the cost of equity capital. Today the idea of designing machines that push the envelope of graphics price/performance has caved in to the design of machines that are compatible but cheaper. It is a shift in emphasis that makes the micro world a colder place for those who are motivated enough to seek something more.
529:
Mindset has dual front-mounted ROM cartridge ports with a locking knob on the left side of the main computer module to lock the ROM modules into place. The
Mindset has the option (through its System Configuration Utility) to be able to select whether the system boots from left or right ROM carts, or
405:
By the summer of 1984, it was clear the system was not selling as expected, and the company re-purposed it for the video production and graphics design markets. That was followed in August by a round of layoffs, and another in
January 1985, this time half the employees were let go. The company filed
463:
The
Mindset II is referred to on the front of the user guide as Model# M1500, however other internal pages reference is an M1000-II and also make mention of Mindset Video Production Module Model# M1011. The system included 512 KB system RAM, 128 KB VRAM, and 40 KB ROM. The primary
458:
any
Mindset System to a Mindset II. In such a case, the composite video output of one Mindset is used as an external video source for the Video Production Module connected to the Mindset II. It is very important that the Mindset System being used as a video source be set in the interlaced mode.
425:...the marketplace has "matured," and in its maturation process it has lost much of its original spark, innovation, and imagination. Today supposed graphics "experts" think of graphics in terms of when to use a pie chart as opposed to a bar chart. Today a program like City had better run on the
534:, which is retained when unplugged by a battery in the cartridge case. Cartridges were envisioned to be a primary medium for software distribution on the Mindset, but sales of the system were too low for cartridges to be economical, and software was distributed on disk instead.
1023:
Anderson 1985, p. 50: "However, perhaps because the
Mindset has failed to set the industry on fire, our version of GW-Basic arrived on disk rather than ROM. It seems unlikely to me that new ROM software is likely to appear for the machine, let alone costly CMOS RAM
488:
became involved with development, assisting
Mindset in emulating IBM character graphics without losing performance. Once Mindset officials determined that most of the desirable software was compatible, development was frozen and the OS burned to
397:. At the time it garnered critical acclaim, with reviewers universally praising its graphics and overall performance which was much faster than contemporary PCs. although in many cases with the caveat that the market was rapidly standardizing.
373:
sold for US$ 1,099, a 128 KB (user RAM) model with single disk was available for $ 1,798, and a 256 KB (user RAM) dual-disk version cost $ 2,398. The disk-less version of the machine was still usable, as the system also included two
224:
The system didn't sell well and was only on the market for about a year. This was lamented by industry commenters, who saw compatibility taking precedence over innovation. Its distinctive case remains in the permanent collection of the
503:
is one of the PC applications reported to run, and
Mindset publicized a list of 60 applications that run unmodified. The software base was expected to increase dramatically once a final version of Windows was released.
337:
is one of the PC applications reported to run, and
Mindset publicized a list of 60 applications that run unmodified. The software base was expected to increase dramatically once a final version of Windows was released.
265:
to handle many common drawing tasks, like lines or filling areas. Instead of the CPU doing all of this work by changing memory directly, in the
Mindset the CPU sets up those instructions and then hands off the actual
257:
is used to create graphics by drawing bit patterns directly into memory. Separate hardware then reads these patterns and produces the actual video signal for the display. The
Mindset added a new custom-designed
245:'s Home Computer Division until 1982 when he resigned in order to set up a new company to produce a new personal computer. As president of Mindset Corporation, he brought a number of Atari engineers with him.
1243:
390:
of Menlo Park, visually separated into two sections with the ROM slots in the lower half and the optional diskettes on the upper half. It was sold complete with a custom nylon carrying case.
450:. Its enhanced functionality is not totally understood – but from the "Mindset II Advanced Professional Videographics System" user's guide it makes mention of "Chaining" two Mindset's:
511:; this allows 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 several ex-Atari engineers like the
526:
module that sits above the main unit was available and part of the common sales configuration for the system. The module also includes 224 KB of expansion memory as well.
549:
Mindset has a custom sound-processor (CSP). The optional Sound Module adds a second CSP, along with a right channel audio output jack. There are four operating modes:
1238:
325:
without losing performance. Once Mindset officials determined that most of the desirable software was compatible, development was frozen and the OS burned to
295:
who would go on to provide design and direction for all Apple product lines from 1989-1997. His distinctive case for the Mindset is included by the
671:
Dual Disk Drive / Memory Expansion Module. Some are marked Model # M1003 and others M1004, despite there being no internal or external differences.
792:
345:
is rumored to have tried to buy Mindset's technology. before ultimately buying Atari and designing a new machine from off-the-shelf parts, the
197:
of the time, it has custom graphics hardware supporting a 320×200 resolution with 16 simultaneous colors (chosen from a 512-shade palette) and
1228:
369:
The Mindset was released on 2 May 1984. The base model with 64 KB RAM (32 KB user RAM, 32 KB VRAM) and no
477:
259:
1233:
609:
515:, another computer of the era with an advanced graphics subsystem and modular expandability. Jack Tramiel (forming
495:
330:
357:
484:, its enhanced graphics capabilities make achieving full IBM compatibility more difficult than its competitors.
1134:
277:
413:
By 1985, when it was clear the system was not living up to its promise and Windows 1.0 was a flop in general,
1034:
387:
254:
113:
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198:
662:
The Dual Disk/Memory Expansion Unit adds an additional three 36-pin Expansion bus slots to the system.
296:
226:
1203:
573:
417:
published a review of the system decrying that the personal computer market was beginning to value
446:
designating "II" under the embossed name. Internally the Video Processor Board is a separate mini-
438:
The Base System Unit is referred to as Model M1001; later a "Mindset II" computer was released, a
944:
689:
Hard Drive System, consisting of an Interface "Cartridge Module" and HD loader on NVRAM cartridge
480:
chips that enhance and speed up the graphics. Although it is disk compatible with the IBM PC's
516:
507:
Mindset's design is modular in many aspects. The top of the case has an opening to access its
418:
370:
194:
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62:
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on which the machine is based. There are a number of parallels between the Mindset and the
720:
644:
629:
141:
306:
As development continued and it became clear that the machine would be ready before the
213: (equivalent to $ 5,270 in 2023). It is conceptually similar to the more successful
1208:
710:
443:
393:
Mindset's president said its graphics capabilities were unmatched except on US$ 50,000
292:
1222:
541:
ROM code 1.07 and earlier show a copyright notice of (c) 1983 Mindset Computer Corp.
447:
375:
322:
300:
230:
639:
634:
426:
342:
267:
288:, another computer designed by ex-Atari engineers that offered advanced graphics.
774:"Sord's lap size, Zenith's compatibility, and Mindset's graphics mark new models"
523:
473:
394:
329:
in late 1983. The ROM does not run about 20% of the PC software base, including
311:
281:
242:
218:
217:
released over a year later. Key engineers of both the Amiga and Mindset were ex-
179:
118:
35:
26:
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508:
485:
407:
315:
285:
274:
1209:
DigiBarn Computer Museum photos and commentary regarding the Mindset Computer
659:
The rear of the main computer module also has 3× 36-pin Expansion bus slots.
1100:
439:
1135:"Mindset micro; pushing the envelope, or whatever happened to innovation?"
597:
Six voices with limited controls, all voices same volume, ramped waveform
715:
692:
Stereo Module – adds right channel output jack and second sound processor
531:
500:
383:
346:
334:
319:
455:
382:
and another program. The canonical cartridge is an extended version of
205:, allowing it to update the screen 50 times as fast as an IBM standard
202:
1114:
Mace, Scott (May 14, 1984). "Electronic Antics: Seeing Is Believing".
892:"MOMA The Collection Robert Brunner, Mindset Personal Computer, 1983"
307:
183:
700:
537:
While released in 1984, models of the M1001 Mindset computer with
356:
214:
1173:"Mindset: A versatile IBM PC compatible with excellent graphics"
538:
132:
622:
The rear of the computer is equipped with the following ports:
318:
became personally involved in the project to assist Mindset in
481:
378:
ports on the front of the machine that could be used for the
1204:
Specs, photos, and commentary regarding the Mindset Computer
386:. The machine is packaged in a unique enclosure designed by
1186:"Cheap Chips: Will graphics be the next market to explode?"
586:
Three voices with sound effects, modified wavetable lookup
493:, which locked out 20% of the PC software base, including
874:
872:
870:
868:
866:
812:
810:
734:
Only one video game has been released for the Mindset:
519:) tried to buy Mindset's technology in Spring of 1984.
1244:
Collection of the Museum of Modern Art (New York City)
998:
996:
828:
The New York Times, Aug 25, 1982, Section D, page 2
158:
150:
140:
125:
112:
102:
91:
83:
68:
58:
50:
42:
464:resolution was 640x400, 4-color, double-buffered.
1214:Atari Museum entry regarding the Mindset Computer
410:protection on 28 August 1985, and never emerged.
793:"Product Preview: The Mindset Personal Computer"
452:
423:
945:"Mindset: Visually Boggling MS-DOS Compatible"
8:
361:Advertisement from the August 1984 issue of
19:
851:
849:
847:
845:
843:
459:Otherwise, vertical locking will not occur.
129:32 KB, 128 KB, or 256 KB RAM
1184:Zientara, Marguerite (17 September 1984).
572:Four musical voices with limited effects,
193:and released in spring 1984. Unlike other
34:
25:
18:
530:disk drive. Cartridges can also contain
253:In most computer systems of the era, the
1080:Michalopoulos, Demetrios A. (May 1984).
981:McGeever, Christine (9 September 1985).
878:
816:
551:
472:The system architecture is based on the
273:Badertscher compared the chipset to the
964:"Corvus Cuts Price, Mindset Cuts Staff"
760:
1239:Computer-related introductions in 1984
962:McCarthy, Michael (25 February 1985).
768:
766:
764:
725:Video Production Module – video fader
7:
983:"Mindset Asks Chapter 11 Protection"
926:"Putting the computer on a pedestal"
98: (equivalent to $ 5,300 in 2023)
1035:"Mindset Software Developers Guide"
291:The Mindset's look was designed by
341:Before its release, in early 1984
201:drawing capabilities, including a
14:
1147:"Stylish Graphics Lead PC Parade"
943:Christopher, Tom (12 June 1984).
1133:Anderson, John (February 1985).
686:128 KB memory "Cartridge Module"
907:"Atari Awash In Product Rumors"
905:Chin, Kathy (14 January 1985).
303:, in its permanent collection.
209:. The basic unit was priced at
791:Williams, Gregg (April 1984).
442:version of the M1001, with an
241:Roger Badertscher was head of
1:
1171:Lima, Tony (13 August 1984).
1158:Mace, Scott (19 March 1984).
837:InfoWorld Jun 4 1984, page 42
421:over technology. He wrote:
270:to the separate processor.
1260:
780:. May 1, 1984. p. 49.
496:Microsoft Flight Simulator
331:Microsoft Flight Simulator
189:. It was developed by the
674:Printer Module – parallel
640:Channel 3/4 select switch
33:
24:
924:Shea, Tom (7 May 1984).
677:RS-232-C Module – serial
280:, running alongside the
278:floating-point processor
1101:10.1109/MC.1984.1659257
857:"InfoWorld Mar 19 1984"
517:Tramel Technology, Ltd.
1160:"The Mindset Computer"
1044:. Mindset Corporation.
706:
461:
431:
366:
323:IBM character graphics
207:color graphics adapter
164:320×200 with 16 colors
16:1984 personal computer
1229:Computer workstations
1004:"Mindset II Brochure"
704:
360:
166:640×400 with 2 colors
583:Sound Effects/Music
297:Museum of Modern Art
227:Museum of Modern Art
199:hardware-accelerated
72:2 May 1984
476:, with proprietary
191:Mindset Corporation
54:Mindset Corporation
46:Mindset Corporation
21:
1234:IBM PC compatibles
1139:Creative Computing
707:
454:It is possible to
367:
195:IBM PC compatibles
92:Introductory price
1153:: 49. 1 May 1984.
683:Modem Module 1200
666:Expansion modules
615:
614:
608:Direct access to
522:A dual 5.25-inch
371:floppy-disk drive
310:-based Microsoft
187:personal computer
172:
171:
168:512 color palette
142:Removable storage
63:Personal computer
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859:. 19 March 1984.
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820:
814:
805:
804:
788:
782:
781:
770:
743:Synapse Software
680:Modem Module 300
574:wavetable lookup
552:
440:badge engineered
415:John J. Anderson
380:operating system
263:vector processor
212:
104:Operating system
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79:
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38:
29:
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716:Analog joystick
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545:Sound processor
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1198:External links
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1195:
1194:
1181:
1168:
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1143:
1128:
1125:
1122:
1121:
1106:
1095:(9): 121–129.
1082:"New Products"
1072:
1060:Gaming History
1047:
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973:
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444:adhesive label
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293:Robert Brunner
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170:
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154:Composite, RGB
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136:32 KB ROM
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881:, p. 50.
880:
879:Anderson 1985
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819:, p. 43.
818:
817:Zientara 1984
813:
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803:(4): 270–293.
802:
798:
797:Byte Magazine
794:
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705:Mindset mouse
703:
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630:Composite out
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448:daughterboard
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419:compatibility
416:
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401:Disappearance
400:
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376:ROM cartridge
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1127:Bibliography
1115:
1109:
1092:
1088:
1075:
1063:. Retrieved
1059:
1050:
1041:
1029:
1024:cartridges."
1019:
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986:
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733:
721:Touch Tablet
661:
658:
621:
605:See-Through
561:Description
548:
536:
528:
524:floppy drive
521:
506:
494:
471:
462:
453:
437:
427:Commodore 64
424:
412:
404:
395:workstations
392:
368:
362:
343:Jack Tramiel
340:
305:
290:
272:
268:bit fiddling
252:
240:
223:
190:
175:
173:
69:Release date
51:Manufacturer
949:PC Magazine
778:PC Magazine
697:Peripherals
474:Intel 80186
468:Description
312:Windows 1.0
282:Intel 80186
243:Atari, Inc.
221:employees.
219:Atari, Inc.
180:Intel 80186
162:Custom VLSI
131:32 KB
119:Intel 80186
1223:Categories
750:References
730:Video game
626:Audio left
618:Rear ports
594:Max Voice
513:Amiga 1000
509:system bus
486:Bill Gates
434:Mindset II
408:Chapter 11
316:Bill Gates
286:Amiga 1000
275:Intel 8087
146:Cartridges
76:1984-05-02
1190:InfoWorld
1177:InfoWorld
1164:InfoWorld
1116:InfoWorld
1042:Bitsavers
1011:Bitsavers
987:InfoWorld
968:InfoWorld
930:InfoWorld
911:InfoWorld
755:Citations
645:RGB video
320:emulating
211:US$ 1,798
96:US$ 1,798
43:Developer
1192:: 43–44.
1179:: 54–56.
1166:: 20–22.
1089:Computer
649:EXT sync
532:CMOS RAM
501:WordStar
384:GW-BASIC
365:magazine
347:Atari ST
335:WordStar
301:New York
231:New York
159:Graphics
84:Lifespan
1151:PC News
1065:8 March
1056:"Vyper"
745:, 1984)
655:Aux out
456:genlock
353:Release
237:History
203:blitter
182:-based
176:Mindset
151:Display
121:@ 6 MHz
74: (
20:Mindset
652:Aux in
569:Music
308:MS-DOS
249:Design
184:MS-DOS
178:is an
126:Memory
108:MS-DOS
1141:: 50.
1118:: 38.
1085:(PDF)
1038:(PDF)
1007:(PDF)
989:: 10.
970:: 15.
951:: 47.
913:: 20.
739:Vyper
711:Mouse
635:TV/RF
558:Name
555:Mode
314:was,
215:Amiga
1067:2022
539:BIOS
478:VLSI
406:for
363:Byte
260:VLSI
174:The
133:VRAM
87:1985
59:Type
1097:doi
610:DAC
491:ROM
482:DOS
388:GVO
327:ROM
255:CPU
229:in
114:CPU
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741:(
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