Tomy TUTOR | TechMuseum
Year of manufacture: 1983-1985
Technical Specifications:
- Processor: TMS 9995, 2.7 MHz
- RAM: 16 KB
- FDD: –
- HDD: –
- Audio: Eight octaves , three channels
- Connectors/Ports: Cartridge , cassette tape, joystick , video or audio output , TV output
- Case: Keyboard type
- Monitor: Color
- OS: Tomy BASIC
The Tomy Tutor features a TMS 9995 processor at 2.7 MHz and memory of 16kB. Its operating system was the Tomy Basic version. The architecture of the home computer was similar to the TI-99/4A and used similar Texas Instruments processor.
Japanese toymaker Tomy produced this home computer alternatively known as Pyuta (in Japanese) or Grandstand Tutor (as launched in the UK), released in 1982. Manufacturers presented the computer as the perfect electronic home device for entertainment and education alike. Even an eight-year-old would be able to use the computer without parental supervision, thanks to its documentation.
That exact feature was the problem for the company, the marketing point. It certainly is cheaper and more evolved than the TI-99/4A, but was presented as only a children’s computer. Sales were mediocre and plunged after the release of the Nintendo Family Computer in 1983, when Tomy had to cease production and distribution of the Tomy Tutor units.
That was just a snapshot on the presentation of the techmuseum series. Indulge more into the history. Continue reading more about the present model, the Tomy Tutor here.
PC.GR
The history of personal computers
Explore this exhibit with the video guide, which opens the PC.gr presentation in a video window.