Mattel Aquarius

Mattel Aquarius
ManufacturerMattel Electronics
TypeHome computer
Release dateJune 1983 (1983-06)
Introductory price160 US$ (today $490)
DiscontinuedOctober 1983 (1983-10)[1]
MediaCassette tape, ROM Cartridge
Operating systemMicrosoft BASIC
CPUZilog Z80A @ 3.5 MHz
Memory4KB RAM (expandable to 36KB), 8KB ROM
Display80x72 semigraphics in 16 colors (40x24 character text, 8x8 pixel font)
GraphicsTEA1002 note the TEA1002 is purely the colour encoder, not the display generator
SoundOne voice
InputKeyboard
PredecessorIntellivision
SuccessorAquarius II, Aquarius+

Aquarius is a home computer designed by Radofin and released by Mattel Electronics in 1983. Based on the Zilog Z80 microprocessor, the system has a rubber chiclet keyboard, 4K of RAM, and a subset of Microsoft BASIC in ROM. It connects to a television set for audiovisual output, and uses a cassette tape recorder for secondary data storage. A limited number of peripherals, such as a 40-column thermal printer, a 4-color printer/plotter, and a 300 baud modem, were released. The Aquarius was discontinued in October 1983, only a few months after it was launched.

  1. ^ Page 49, InfoWorld, 23 Jan 1984, ...John Allen, president of The Lisp Company...announcing TLC Logo, which could run on the Mattel Aquarius...Today, the Mattel Aquarius is virtually off the market...