Ohio Scientific Challenger 1P, Apple II+, TRS-80 Model 1, Atari 400, Osborne 1a, System-80/Video Genie/PMC-80, IBM-5150 (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, Atari 130XE, Apple IIe Platinum, IBM PS/2 30-286, Compaq SLT/286, Amiga 500, Atari 1040ST, Mac SE/30, Mac Classic II, Mac Powerbook 145B, Generic 386DX-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 merge 4k or 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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