Texas Instruments TI-99⧸4
The TI-99/4 home computer line was produced by Texas Instruments from 1979 to 1984. It is comprised of just two models. The original 99/4 was a commercial failure, as it was overpriced and had a terrible calculator-style keyboard. It was replaced by the 99/4A, which offered a better keyboard, much lower cost, and more expansion options. And for a brief period, this was among the most popular computers in the American market.
However, TI made three fatal mistakes. First, they got into a price war against the VIC-20, and they couldn't out-cheap Commodore. Even though this helped increase their market share, matching prices with a machine that was much cheaper to produce meant it ultimately had to be sold at a loss. Second, they tried to follow the "razor and blades" business model: while other machines included full documentation and schematics, TI was very secretive and forbade third-party development, wanting to be the sole provider of applications and add-ons for their own machine. This led to a very limited software library, which dampened interest in the system. Third, they were so optimistic about sales that they overproduced the machine, so retailers started to return unsold units in huge amounts.
TI then discontinued the 99/4A, but remained in the computer business producing far more lucrative IBM-compatible PCs.
A notable legacy of the 99/4 is that its graphics chip, the TMS9918, was reused in several other systems, such as the MSX, ColecoVision, SG-1000, and CreatiVision; upgraded forms of it powered the MSX2, Master System, and Mega Drive.
Note: software-wise, the two machines are fully compatible with each other, except for a very small number of programs (such as Parsec) that used the "graphics 2" mode, and consequently were only compatible with the 4A. Also, the later 4A units (which boot to the message "©1983 TEXAS INSTRUMENTS V2.2") use a lockout chip to not run unlicensed third-party cartridges.
Videos
[edit | edit source]External links
[edit | edit source]- Death of a Computer - article about the TI-99/4's demise