Mindset

The Mindset is a computer released in the spring of 1984 and discontinued on August 28, 1985.

Why It Flopped

 * 1) The computer had possibly the absolute worst support any system could have, as well as possibly the shortest library ever; there was only one game released during the entire lifespan of the computer, Vyper.
 * 2) Despite the computer running MS-DOS, it is not compatible with most MS-DOS games or software:
 * 3) *The computer has an Intel 80186 as its CPU, but the 80186 was not fully x86 compatible.
 * 4) *The video hardware is not compatible with CGA or EGA graphic modes.
 * 5) Overpriced, costing $1100 for the base system (64KB of RAM), $1800 for the medium-end model (128KB of RAM and one 5.25" floppy drive) and $2400 for the high-end model (with 256KB of RAM and two 5.25" floppy drives)
 * 6) Like the Atari 800 or the PCjr, the system had two cartridge ports, but (also like the Atari 800), the second cartridge port was rarely used.
 * 7) The power supply for the computer runs all the time, meaning the plastic melts if it plugged in for a long time.
 * 8) The keyboard for the computer is proprietary instead of using a standard XT or AT port.
 * 9) The computer can display up to 512 colors, but only on composite and RF. The CGA video port can only display the 16 colors of a CGA monitor.
 * 10) The computer did not have a killer app. Microsoft Windows was going to support the Mindset, but support was scrapped.

Redeeming Qualities

 * 1) The computer, apart from the PCjr and Tandy 1000, was one of the first PCs to have dedicated audio hardware.
 * 2) It did have brief use in the video production industry, having dedicated hardware to do so.
 * 3) The computer looked more modern than most other PCs on the market.
 * 4) The animated logo displayed after the computer boots looks very cool for 1984 standards.

Videos
3a_qJFD80_c

Comments
