Ohio Scientific Challenger 1P, Apple II+, PET/CBM 3032, TRS 80 Model 1, Atari 400, Osborne 1a, System 80/Video Genie/PMC 80, IBM PC, ZX 81, TRS-80 Colour Computer 1, Vic 20, Epson HX 20, BBC B, ZX Spectrum, Kaypro II, Eaca Colour Genie, RX 8800, Apple IIe, Atari 800XL, Tandy Model 100, Commodore  64, Commodore 64C, Commodore  SX-64, Spectravideo 318, Mattel  Aquarius, Sinclair QL, IBM AT, Atari 130XE, Apple IIe Platinum, Amiga 500, Atari  1040ST, IBM PS/2 30-286, Compaq SLT/286, IBM PS/2 70, Mac SE/30, Mac  Classic II, Mac Powerbook 145B, Generic 386-DX 40

Mattel Aquarius

Most of my units are with me because they had some influence on the progress of microcomputing in the early days. They were pioneers, and computers of note and esteem.

However, the Mattel Aquarius is not one of them. Never has the phrase "Too little, too late" been so pertinent to a microcomputer. Powered by a respectable Z80 chip the Aquarius was crippled with a rubber chiclet keyboard, weak graphics and a meagre 4k of RAM. Not too unusual for an early home computer you might think, but consider the date. 1983. The Commodore 64, with its 64K RAM and full-stroke keyboard had been going for a year. Even the Vic-20 with similar RAM, at least had a full-stroke keyboard and it came out in 1981! As far as the Aquarius goes, the most impressive thing about it is the user manual (and it is actually quite well-written)!

The Mattel Aquarius lasted a mere four months, a supreme example of one of the casualties of the great home computer wars in 1983. Consequently, it is part of my collection more for its infamy than fame! Still, it is a rare beast and this one goes and is in excellent condition.

This is one micro I don't have any software for. I do have a cartridge...a home finance package but it seems an expander is required to use it.

Want to know more about this micro? Google is your friend.

This page last edited 10th August, 2008

Comments welcome...

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