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geekhack Community => geekhack Media => Topic started by: TacticalCoder on Wed, 18 December 2013, 15:18:18
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Found this in a local ad. It's a TI99/4a complete with 11 cartridges (including one being "TI Invaders" !), two joysticks, its manual, etc.
It still boots (but has a few display glitches).
I'm very happy and how not to fall in love with the "Solid State Software" writing on the front 8)
[attachimg=1]
Keys are double-shots. The switch is original and I had never seen one like this.
I had the same computer for a few days in 1984 or so and always wanted one: now it's done!
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That is awesome.
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Not to mention that nice aluminum cover which reminds me of something Doc would have had in the Delorean.
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My first computer!
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Crappy picture (camera ain't a reflex) but you can see the switch with its square peg. When you press it the two metallic parts get closer and then touch each other. Sweet.
[attachimg=1]
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Crappy picture (camera ain't a reflex) but you can see the switch with its square peg. When you press it the two metallic parts get closer and then touch each other. Sweet.
(Attachment Link)
How does it feel like?
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Nice find
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Nice one.
Looks like the switches used in Hi-Tek modular keyboards (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Hi-Tek_modular), or stackpole switches (http://deskthority.net/wiki/NMB_vintage_linear).
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Crappy picture (camera ain't a reflex) but you can see the switch with its square peg. When you press it the two metallic parts get closer and then touch each other. Sweet.
(Attachment Link)
Sorry to say, but that's the crap TI-99/4a keyboard. There is an ALPS version that is much better. I have both versions. Sadly, my "new in box" TI-99/4a is that "stackpole" version and my scratched, dented one is the ALPS.
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Crappy picture (camera ain't a reflex) but you can see the switch with its square peg. When you press it the two metallic parts get closer and then touch each other. Sweet.
(Attachment Link)
How does it feel like?
Quite heavy: must put a lot of pressure to actuate the keys. It's not clicky. I'd say it's linear but I'm not very good at describing the switches : )
I'll try to get a better picture when I can get my hand on a camera!
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Sorry to say, but that's the crap TI-99/4a keyboard.
oh I see... No big deal: I didn't buy this thing for its switches but because I always wanted one, since nearly 30 years now : )
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I had the same computer for a few days in 1984 or so and always wanted one: now it's done!
Strangely, I had it for just a few days back in the 80's too. I bought it from a friend, but hated the keyboard layout and the awkward version of BASIC, so I returned it. It took me another couple decades to get one again.
I really love the ALPS version - the frosty textured keycaps and clack when bottoming out. It's still one of my all-time favourite keyboards (not considering the awful layout). The "stackpole" switch is not nearly as smooth ("frictiony" and a bit too springy) and has different keycaps - slightly rounder and the plastic is different (cheaper). It's like the difference between PBT and ABS.