Mindset computer
Encyclopedia
The Mindset was sold around spring of 1984 as a high-end graphics workstation which was somewhat PC compatible. Based on Intel's 80186
, it had proprietary VLSI
chips that enhanced and sped up the graphics. It also had dual front-mounted ROM cartridge ports which had a unique locking knob on the left side of the main computer module to lock the ROM modules into place. The Mindset had the option (through its System Configuration Utility) to be able to select whether the system booted from Left or Right ROM carts, or Disk Drive.
A dual 5.25 floppy drive
module that sat above the main unit was available and part of the common sales configuration for the system. The module also included Expansion memory as well.
The case was well designed and distinctive enough to get it into the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art
in New York
.
Mindset's design was modular in many aspects. The top of the case had an opening to access its systems bus, this allowed 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 Amiga 1000
, another computer of the era with an advanced graphics subsystem and modular expandability. Jack Tramiel (forming TTL - Tramiel Technologies Limited) tried to buy Mindset's technology in Spring of 1984.
While released in 1984, models of the M1001 Mindset computer with BIOS ROM code 1.07 and earlier show a copyright notice of (c) 1983 Mindset Computer Corp.
The Base System Unit was referred to as Model M1001, later a "Mindset II" computer was released, basically the same exact case as the Mindset M1001, just with an adhesive label
designating "II" under the embossed name. Internally the Video Processor Board is a separate mini-daughterboard. Its enhanced functionality is not totally understood - but from the "Mindset II Advanced Professional Videographics System" users guide it makes mention "Chaining" Two Mindset's:
"It is possible to genlock 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. Otherwise, vertical locking will not occur.
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 rear of the main computer module also has 3 36 Pin Expansion bus slots.
The Dual Disk/Memory Expansion Unit adds an additional 3 36 Pin Expansion bus slots to the system.
(Note: While no noticeable internal or external differences, some Dual Disk Drive/Memory Expansion modules are marked Model # M1003 and others have been found to be marked M1004)
Intel 80186
The 80188 is a version with an 8-bit external data bus, instead of 16-bit. This makes it less expensive to connect to peripherals. The 80188 is otherwise very similar to the 80186. It has a throughput of 1 million instructions per second....
, it had proprietary VLSI
Very-large-scale integration
Very-large-scale integration is the process of creating integrated circuits by combining thousands of transistors into a single chip. VLSI began in the 1970s when complex semiconductor and communication technologies were being developed. The microprocessor is a VLSI device.The first semiconductor...
chips that enhanced and sped up the graphics. It also had dual front-mounted ROM cartridge ports which had a unique locking knob on the left side of the main computer module to lock the ROM modules into place. The Mindset had the option (through its System Configuration Utility) to be able to select whether the system booted from Left or Right ROM carts, or Disk Drive.
A dual 5.25 floppy drive
Floppy disk
A floppy disk is a disk storage medium composed of a disk of thin and flexible magnetic storage medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic carrier lined with fabric that removes dust particles...
module that sat above the main unit was available and part of the common sales configuration for the system. The module also included Expansion memory as well.
The case was well designed and distinctive enough to get it into the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art
Museum of Modern Art
The Museum of Modern Art is an art museum in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, on 53rd Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. It has been important in developing and collecting modernist art, and is often identified as the most influential museum of modern art in the world...
in New York
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
.
Mindset's design was modular in many aspects. The top of the case had an opening to access its systems bus, this allowed 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 Amiga 1000
Amiga 1000
The A1000, or Commodore Amiga 1000, was Commodore's initial Amiga personal computer, introduced on July 23, 1985 at the Lincoln Center in New York City....
, another computer of the era with an advanced graphics subsystem and modular expandability. Jack Tramiel (forming TTL - Tramiel Technologies Limited) tried to buy Mindset's technology in Spring of 1984.
While released in 1984, models of the M1001 Mindset computer with BIOS ROM code 1.07 and earlier show a copyright notice of (c) 1983 Mindset Computer Corp.
The Base System Unit was referred to as Model M1001, later a "Mindset II" computer was released, basically the same exact case as the Mindset M1001, just with an adhesive label
Adhesive label
An adhesive label is a small piece of paper designed to be affixed to another larger piece of paper or other object, typically by the action of a layer of adhesive on the back of the label....
designating "II" under the embossed name. Internally the Video Processor Board is a separate mini-daughterboard. Its enhanced functionality is not totally understood - but from the "Mindset II Advanced Professional Videographics System" users guide it makes mention "Chaining" Two Mindset's:
"It is possible to genlock 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. Otherwise, vertical locking will not occur.
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.
Rear Ports
The rear of the computer is equipped with the following ports:- Audio Left
- Composite Out
- TV/RF
- Channel 3/4 Select Switch
- RGB Video
- EXT Sync
- Aux In
- Aux Out
The rear of the main computer module also has 3 36 Pin Expansion bus slots.
The Dual Disk/Memory Expansion Unit adds an additional 3 36 Pin Expansion bus slots to the system.
Expansion Modules
- Dual Disk Drive / Memory Expansion Module
(Note: While no noticeable internal or external differences, some Dual Disk Drive/Memory Expansion modules are marked Model # M1003 and others have been found to be marked M1004)
- Parallel "Cartridge Module"
- Serial "Cartridge Module"
- Modem "Cartridge Module"
- 128K Memory "Cartridge Module"
- Hard Drive System, consisting of a Interface "Cartridge Module" and HD loader on NVRAM cartridge