Thomson TO7
The Thomson TO7, also called Thomson 9000[2] is a home computer introduced by Thomson SA in November 1982,[3] with an original retail price of 3750 Franc. By 1983 over 40000 units were produced.[4]
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| Developer | Thomson SA |
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| Type | Home computer |
| Generation | 8-bit |
| Release date | France: 1 December 1982 |
| Lifespan | 1982-1984 |
| Discontinued | May 1984 |
| Media | Cassette tape, MEMO7 cartridges |
| Operating system | none |
| CPU | Motorola 6809 @ 1 MHz |
| Memory | 8 KB RAM, 4KB ROM |
| Graphics | Motorola MCA1300 gate array on TO7/70[1] |
| Successor | Thomson TO7/70 |
The TO7 is built around a 1 MHz Motorola 6809 processor. ROM cartridges, designed as MEMO7, can be introduced through a memory bay. The user interface uses Microsoft BASIC, included in the kit cartridge. The keyboard features a plastic membrane, and further user input is obtained through a lightpen. Cooling is provided by a rear radiator. Standard TV screens can be used as output through a SCART (Peritel) connector, with a resolution of 320x200 (with 2 colors for each 8x1 pixels).
The TO7 prototype, called Thomson T9000, was developed in 1980. The differences regarding the production model are a different startup menu and buggier BIOS.[5]
An upgraded version, the Thomson TO7/70, was released in 1984.[2] Among improvements was an increased RAM of 48KB (64 KB including Video RAM) instead of 8KB (22 KB including video RAM). 70 stands for 64+6 (64KB RAM + 6KB ROM). The 6809 processor was replaced by a 6809E and the color palette was extended from 8 to 16 colors.[6] Graphics were provided by Motorola MCA1300 gate array.[1]
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References
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| 2nd Generation |
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| PC compatible |
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