TI-99/4A

"Texas Instruments home computer" redirects here. For the computer known as the Texas Instruments PC, see Texas Instruments Professional Computer.
TI-99/4
ManufacturerTexas Instruments
Release dateOctober 1979 (1979-10)
Introductory priceUS$1,150 (equivalent to $4,830 in 2023)
DiscontinuedJune 1981
Units shipped~20,000
CPUTMS9900 @ 3 MHz
GraphicsTMS9918
SuccessorTI-99/4A
TI-99/4A
ManufacturerTexas Instruments
TypeHome computer
Release dateJune 1981 (1981-06)
Introductory priceUS$525 (equivalent to $1,760 in 2023)
DiscontinuedMarch 1984
Units shipped2.8 million[1]
Media
Operating systemTI BASIC
CPUTMS9900 @ 3 MHz
Memory16 KB RAM
256 bytes scratchpad RAM
GraphicsTMS9918A
SoundTMS9919, later SN94624
PredecessorTI-99/4

The TI-99/4 and TI-99/4A are home computers released by Texas Instruments in 1979 and 1981, respectively.[2] Based on Texas Instruments's own TMS9900 microprocessor originally used in minicomputers, the TI-99/4 was the first 16-bit home computer.[3] The associated TMS9918 video display controller provides color graphics and sprite support which were only comparable with those of the Atari 400 and 800 released a month later. The TI-99 series also initially competed with the Apple II and TRS-80.[4]

The calculator-style keyboard of the TI-99/4 was cited as a weak point, and TI's reliance on ROM cartridges and their practice of limiting developer information to select third parties resulted in a lack of software for the system. The TI-99/4A was released in June 1981 to address some of these issues with a simplified internal design, full-travel keyboard, improved graphics, and a unique expansion system. At half the price of the original model, sales picked up significantly and TI supported the 4A with peripherals, including a speech synthesizer and a "Peripheral Expansion System" box to contain hardware add-ons. TI released developer information and tools, but the insistence on remaining sole publisher continued to starve the platform of software.[4] Architectural quirks of both models reduced the performance benefits of the 16-bit CPU.

The 1981 US launch of the TI-99/4A followed Commodore's VIC-20 by several months. Commodore CEO Jack Tramiel began a price war by repeatedly lowering the price of the VIC-20 and forcing TI to do the same. In late 1982, TI was shipping 5,000 computers a day from their factory in Lubbock, Texas.[4] By 1983, the 99/4A was selling at a loss for under US$100. Even with the increased user base created by the heavy discounts, Texas Instruments lost US$330 million in the third quarter of 1983[5] and announced the discontinuation of the TI-99/4A in October 1983. Production ended in March 1984.[4]

The TI-99/4 was intended to fit in the middle of a planned range of TI-99 computers, none of which were released, but prototypes and documentation have been found after the TI-99/4A was discontinued.

  1. ^ Steve's Old Computer Museum!
  2. ^ Bryan Roppolo Boulder. "1979 TI-99/4 Home Computer Literature". Ti994.com. Retrieved 2019-10-28.
  3. ^ Texas Instruments TI-99/4, First 16-bit Home Computer, Old-Computers.com, archived from the original on 13 March 2017, retrieved 23 September 2014
  4. ^ a b c d "Death of a Computer," April 1984, Texas Monthly, retrieved September 20, 2023
  5. ^ Cite error: The named reference ahl198403 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).