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TI-99 Alcove
🕑 Added 2024-07-13 07:22:25 +0000 UTCUnfortunately, I have to report that the old family TI-99 computer, joysticks and games were stolen from my late mother's house recently. I hope someone enjoys it, wherever it ends up, and I hope they have a 20+ year old TV to play it on.
Occasionally I get nostalgic for my pre-Macintosh computer, the Texas Instruments TI-99/4A, so I maintain a small collection of that stuff. I have a Patreon-only video on that computer if you haven't watched it.
So, I went after some new TI stuff this weekend. A later model beige TI-99 and the 10" color monitor, as well as the newer revision of the Peripheral Expansion Box.
The monitor was something I've wanted for years. It brought back a lot of memories of tuning 1970's televisions. Impedance switch to 75 ohms, V-hold, V-height, sharpness, tint/color ... I think I got it tuned pretty good. It was manufactured 42 years ago.... What?!
Texas Instruments dumped the TI-99's aluminum case for a beige case just before they cancelled it. It made it look more like the Apple II, but funny Apple would go to Aluminum decades later.
The elderly seller was happy to talk about his history with the TI, building his own expansion boards and clever hacks to extend the system far longer than you'd think possible... Deja Vu...
I ended up with a slew of books, manuals, 5 1/4" floppies and a bit of software, replacing one game cartridge that I lost, at least. Also a bumper sticker saying the "TI99 eats Apples for Lunch!". I don't know who to root for on that one.
This TI is not one with the OS update that blocks 3rd party cartridges... Nice strategy, TI!
The expansion box... it's just cool. I should be able to bulk up that original video with this new stuff.
Don't worry. Next post will be Macintosh-related.
Comments
Robert Butler
Minimal monetary value, but huge sentimental value!
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Thanks Robert. The system has minimal cash value because TI made so many of them foolishly trying to compete on price with the highly inferior VIC-20. The sentimental value is much higher. Fortunate that I didn’t have everything at her house, but I do miss what was taken.
Robert Butler
I hope Karma bites whoever decided to do that in the ass! That wasn't theirs to take and it has fond memories for you!
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The Model 100 is definitely something special to have. Great you have a working example! I’m a bit amazed at the longevity of these early 80’s machines, especially compared to 90’s Macs. You’ll find my video about the TI-99 in a post:. “TI-99 Software find” or under “Collections”.
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You’re right about the expansion box: 8 slots and 1 or 2 floppy drives. I figured you would appreciate the ‘look’ of that one and the monitor. The video is available in my “collections” here on Patreon, under ‘TI-99 Software Find’, but definitely a video I want to add-on to.
Chris Harding
Man, that sucks but the 4A is really cool. I have a working TRS-80 Model 100 but yours is cooler than that! I'll watch the video on the one that got stolen. Take care!
iiiDIY
I'm really sorry to hear about that theft. Really crappy, all-around. The TI acquisition is quite the silver lining though! Wow! What a gorgeous screen... and that expansion box has a *presence*! Is it all slot-based, or are those covers on the front drive bays? I see 3x darker ones, so maybe both? I can wait patiently for the video for my answers... just excited for you :)
