Tatung Einstein TC01 – A relatively genius Brit!

Computers with 8-bit CPUs were the predominant systems far into the 1980s. From the mid-1970s, the MOS 6502 CPU and the Zilog Z80 were inexpensive 8-bit processors that finally made computers affordable for home use. The demand for such computers was correspondingly enormous. As a result, more and more companies wanted to share in the success of the pioneers. These included Atari, Apple, Commodore, Sinclair, Tandy Radio Shack and many more. Another newcomer to the computer market was the Taiwanese group Tatung Inc. They developed an 8-bit computer based on the Z80 microprocessor at their facility in the UK, which was different from the competitors in many aspects and is therefore an interesting computer from today’s collector’s point of view.

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TA alphatronic PC – A pretty German Personal Computer

Franconian (so called people from a German region in upper Bavaria) are rather reserved and quiet people. They prefer the cozy social gathering over a glass of beer or wine and the greatest praise of a Franconian is: “Bassd scho!”

Today I would like to present you a PC from 1984 of a former computer manufacturer from Franconia – more precisely from Nuremberg, the metropolis of Middle Franconia. It is the TA alphatronic PC from the company Triumph-Adler, a Z80 based 8-bit computer with 64 kB RAM, 32 kB ROM and integrated Microsoft Basic.

Triumph-Adler TA alphatronic PC from 1984

You can definitely compare the computer with the features of the Franconian: The PC has a simple, straight-lined case shape and it comes across rather inconspicuous and reserved. On the other hand, it impresses with its workmanship and inner values. A Franconian would say: “Bassd scho!”.

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