Comments on: BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000

Comment on BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000 by: Corey

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 22:01:11 +0000

Oh yeah, I had one of these as a kid! Very early 90s. I played it to death and did get into some basic programming. Nothing fancy, mind you. My first one got broken though, (something heavy got put on top of the display, cracking it and causing a black spot in the middle) but thankfully I was able to get another one (thrift store or given to me by a friend, can't remember.) It also has a cartridge slot, which I only had one cartridge with a Bible quiz on it. Too bad there was NO way to save your basic programs. Once you turned off the power, all your hard work was gone.

Comment on BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000 by: Christian Köhler

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 11:50:47 +0000

Hello,

I owned a "Mister X " from VTech at the age of 10. Looking at the pics and reading the text, I am pretty sure it was the same machine just localizes for Germany. It was my very first computer, I learned some Basic programming skills on it. Now I am a coder working on games for Nintendo, it looks like the idea of this "toy" has actually worked (for me).

Provided it is really the same machine:

- NO: you are not able to save your code. This was explicitly stated in the manual and there was no external disc drive, memory card, tape interface or something (only ROM cartridges with extra games). For this reason the "auto power off" feature is disabled when using the BASIC. (The unit will power down after some time when no key is pressed in the quiz games).

- And NO: It is not possible to display anything on the LCD without waiting for the user pressing enter.
These limitations were really annoying. And there was only some 2 KB memory available for BASIC.

Comment on BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000 by: Angela

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:44:32 +0000

I had the IQ Unlimited when I was little. Wish I still had it! Checked eBay but didn't find any currently listed.

Comment on BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000 by: A.Lou

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 02:07:25 +0000

I have a spare one Bree, Get in contact, if not keep a look out on Ebay where I will put it up for sale!!

Comment on BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000 by: Bree

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 23:04:29 +0000

Just wondering if anyone would know, where a VTech PC1000 could be purchased from, Endless searching online, has not resulted in any leads..

Comment on BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000 by: kbaby

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 12:26:33 +0000

Just found the 1000 I bought my daughter back in 88, in a box. Put in some batteries and works great.

Comment on BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000 by: Dan Rose

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 17:48:01 +0000

As an avid collector of 20th Century computer software, I've also had to acquire some legacy computer systems to test and run them on. Today, I acquired a VTech I.Q. Unlimited computer at a local thrift store (didn't get quite the deal the person did in an earlier post…had to talk them down from $15 to $10). It still had its original box (beat up on the top but the rest is in fairly good shape), system unit, power supply, video connector, and, yes, the original manual! I tested it at the thrift store with a color TV and it works. The unit is in very good condition.

My very first computer was a Commodore VIC 20, which I replaced very quickly with a Commodore 64. I fell in love with that computer and when I saw this VTech I.Q. it reminded me so much of those days I had to have it.

The VTech display wasn't too clear on a TV, as mentioned in earlier posts. I also have a Commodore computer monitor and will test it with the VTech. I just barely acquired this so I haven't been able to spend much time with it yet.

Comment on BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000 by: John White

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 19:42:46 +0000

I work with developmentally disabled students and the 1000s are great for them… does anybody have any of the cartridges they would sell or donate to FaithWorkings? Thanks, John

Comment on BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000 by: Dana Yelsik

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 01:50:29 +0000

I have the Pre Computer 1000 that belonged to my daughter. The LCD display screen has a black stripe smack in the middle of the screen, a result of her brother dropping it. I've always wondered if there was any "fix" to the computer? I'd appreciate any feedback.

Comment on BASIC for Kids: The VTech PreComputer 1000 by: Milly

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 03:20:45 +0000

can some one please send me the the typing course hand book. I would like my kids to learn how to type.