Editing Mindset (computer)

{{Short description|1984 personal computer}}
{{Infobox computer
| name = Mindset
| logo = Mindset wordmark.svg
| image = Mindset computer.jpg
| developer = Mindset Corporation
| manufacturer = Mindset Corporation
| releasedate = {{start date|1984|05|02|df=y}}
| cpu = [[Intel 80186]] @ 6 MHz
| memory = 32&nbsp;KB, 128&nbsp;KB, or 256&nbsp;KB RAM<br />32&nbsp;KB [[VRAM]]<br />32&nbsp;KB ROM
| type = [[Personal computer]]
| graphics = Custom VLSI<br>320×200 with 16 colors<br>640×400 with 2 colors<br>512 color palette
| display = Composite, RGB
| os = MS-DOS
| memory card = Cartridges
| lifespan = 1985
| baseprice = {{USD|1798|1984|round=-2}}
}}

The '''Mindset''' is an [[Intel 80186]]-based [[MS-DOS]] [[personal computer]].<ref name=PCM/> It was developed by the '''Mindset Corporation''' and released in spring 1984. Unlike other [[IBM PC compatible]]s of the time, it has custom graphics hardware supporting a 320×200 resolution with 16 simultaneous colors (chosen from a 512-shade palette)<ref name=PCM/> and [[Hardware acceleration|hardware-accelerated]] drawing capabilities, including a [[blitter]],<ref name="williams">{{cite journal|last1=Williams|first1=Gregg|title=Product Preview: The Mindset Personal Computer|journal=Byte Magazine|date=April 1984|volume=9|issue=4|pages=270–293|url=https://archive.org/stream/byte-magazine-1984-04/1984_04_BYTE_09-04_Real-World_Interfacing#page/n270/mode/2up}}</ref> allowing it to update the screen 50 times as fast as an IBM standard [[color graphics adapter]].{{sfn|Zientara|1984|p=43}} The basic unit was priced at {{US$|1798|1984|round=-1}}.<ref name=PCM/> It is conceptually similar to the more successful [[Amiga]] released over a year later. Key engineers of both the Amiga and Mindset were ex-[[Atari, Inc.]] employees.

The system didn't sell well and was only on the market for about a year. This was lamented by industry commenters, who saw compatibility taking precedence over innovation. Its distinctive case remains in the permanent collection of the [[Museum of Modern Art]] in [[New York City|New York]].

==History==
Roger Badertscher was head of [[Atari, Inc.]]'s Home Computer Division until 1982 when he resigned in order to set up a new company to produce a new personal computer.<ref>The New York Times, Aug 25, 1982, Section D, page 2</ref> As president of Mindset Corporation,<ref name="infoworldJune84">InfoWorld Jun 4 1984, page 42</ref> he brought a number of Atari engineers with him.

===Design===
In most computer systems of the era, the [[central processing unit|CPU]] is used to create graphics by drawing bit patterns directly into memory. Separate hardware then reads these patterns and produces the actual video signal for the display. The Mindset added a new custom-designed [[Very Large Scale Integration|VLSI]] [[vector processor]] to handle many common drawing tasks, like lines or filling areas. Instead of the CPU doing all of this work by changing memory directly, in the Mindset the CPU sets up those instructions and then hands off the actual [[bit fiddling]] to the separate processor.

Badertscher compared the chipset to the [[Intel 8087]] [[floating-point processor]],<ref name="infoworld"/> running alongside the [[Intel 80186]] on which the machine is based. There are a number of parallels between the Mindset and the [[Amiga 1000]], another computer designed by ex-Atari engineers that offered advanced graphics.{{sfn|Anderson|1985|p=50}}

The Mindset's look was designed by [[Robert Brunner]] who would go on to provide design and direction for all Apple product lines from 1989-1997. His distinctive case for the Mindset is included by the [[Museum of Modern Art]], [[New York City|New York]], in its permanent collection.{{sfn|Anderson|1985|p=50}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moma.org/collection/object.php?object_id=2209|title=MOMA The Collection Robert Brunner, Mindset Personal Computer, 1983}}</ref>

As development continued and it became clear that the machine would be ready before the [[MS-DOS]]-based Microsoft [[Windows 1.0]] was, [[Bill Gates]] became personally involved in the project to assist Mindset in [[Emulator|emulating]] [[Code page 437|IBM character graphics]] without losing performance. Once Mindset officials determined that most of the desirable software was compatible, development was frozen and the OS burned to [[Read-only memory|ROM]] in late 1983. The ROM does not run about 20% of the PC software base, including [[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]. [[WordStar]] is one of the PC applications reported to run, and Mindset publicized a list of 60 applications that run unmodified. The software base was expected to increase dramatically once a final version of Windows was released.<ref name="infoworld"/>

Before its release, in early 1984 [[Jack Tramiel]] is rumored to have tried to buy Mindset's technology.{{sfn|Anderson|1985|p=50}}<ref>{{cite journal |first=Kathy |last=Chin |title=Atari Awash In Product Rumors |journal=InfoWorld |date=14 January 1985 |page=20 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-i4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA20 }}</ref> before ultimately buying Atari and designing a new machine from off-the-shelf parts, the [[Atari ST]].

===Release===
[[File:Mindset - August 1984 Byte Magazine advert.jpg|thumb|right|Advertisement from the August 1984 issue of ''Byte'' magazine]]
The Mindset was released on 2 May 1984.{{sfn|Zientara|1984|p=43}} The base model with 64&nbsp;KB RAM (32&nbsp;KB user RAM, 32&nbsp;KB VRAM) and no [[floppy-disk drive]] sold for US$1,099, a 128&nbsp;KB (user RAM) model with single disk was available for $1,798, and a 256&nbsp;KB (user RAM) dual-disk version cost $2,398. The disk-less version of the machine was still usable, as the system also included two [[ROM cartridge]] ports on the front of the machine that could be used for the [[operating system]] and another program. The canonical cartridge is an extended version of [[GW-BASIC]]. The machine is packaged in a unique enclosure designed by [[Gruye-Vogt Organization|GVO]] of Menlo Park,<ref>{{cite journal |first=Tom |last=Shea |title=Putting the computer on a pedestal |journal=InfoWorld |date=7 May 1984 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ti4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA16}}</ref> visually separated into two sections with the ROM slots in the lower half and the optional diskettes on the upper half. It was sold complete with a custom nylon carrying case.

Mindset's president said its graphics capabilities were unmatched except on US$50,000 [[workstation]]s. At the time it garnered critical acclaim, with reviewers universally praising its graphics and overall performance which was much faster than contemporary PCs.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Tom |last=Christopher |title=Mindset: Visually Boggling MS-DOS Compatible |journal=PC Magazine |date=12 June 1984 |page=47 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=amQldGdl9LkC&pg=RA1-PA47}}</ref> although in many cases with the caveat that the market was rapidly standardizing.

===Disappearance===
By the summer of 1984, it was clear the system was not selling as expected, and the company re-purposed it for the video production and graphics design markets. That was followed in August by a round of layoffs, and another in January 1985,<ref>{{cite journal |first=Michael |last=McCarthy |title=Corvus Cuts Price, Mindset Cuts Staff |journal=InfoWorld |date=25 February 1985 |page=15 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6C4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA13}}</ref> this time half the employees were let go. The company filed for [[Chapter 11]] protection on 28 August 1985, and never emerged.<ref>{{cite journal |first=Christine |last=McGeever |title=Mindset Asks Chapter 11 Protection |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eS8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA10 |journal=InfoWorld |date=9 September 1985 |page=10}}</ref>

By 1985, when it was clear the system was not living up to its promise and Windows 1.0 was a flop in general, [[John J. Anderson]] published a review of the system decrying that the personal computer market was beginning to value [[IBM PC compatible|compatibility]] over technology. He wrote:

{{cquote|...the marketplace has "matured," and in its maturation process it has lost much of its original spark, innovation, and imagination. Today supposed graphics "experts" think of graphics in terms of when to use a pie chart as opposed to a bar chart. Today a program like City had better run on the [[Commodore 64]], or else be capable of charting the cost of equity capital. Today the idea of designing machines that push the envelope of graphics price/performance has caved in to the design of machines that are compatible but cheaper. It is a shift in emphasis that makes the micro world a colder place for those who are motivated enough to seek something more.{{sfn|Anderson|1985|p=50}}}}

===Mindset II===
The Base System Unit is referred to as Model M1001; later a "Mindset II" computer was released, a [[rebadging|badge engineered]] version of the M1001, with an [[adhesive label]] designating "II" under the embossed name. Internally the Video Processor Board is a separate mini-[[daughterboard]]. Its enhanced functionality is not totally understood – but from the "Mindset II Advanced Professional Videographics System" user's guide it makes mention of "Chaining" two Mindset's:

{{quote|It is possible to [[genlock]] any Mindset System to a Mindset II. In such a case, the composite video output of one Mindset is used as an external video source for the Video Production Module connected to the Mindset II. It is very important that the Mindset System being used as a video source be set in the interlaced mode. Otherwise, vertical locking will not occur.}}

The Mindset II is referred to on the front of the user guide as Model# M1500, however other internal pages reference is an M1000-II and also make mention of Mindset Video Production Module Model# M1011. The system included 512&nbsp;KB system RAM, 128&nbsp;KB VRAM, and 40&nbsp;KB ROM.<ref name="mindset-ii-overview">{{cite web |title=Mindset II Brochure |url=http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/mindset/Brochures/Mindset_II_Brochure.pdf |website=Bitsavers}}</ref> The primary resolution was 640x400, 4-color, double-buffered.<ref name="mindset-ii-overview" />

==Description==
The system architecture is based on the [[Intel 80186]], with proprietary [[Very Large Scale Integration|VLSI]] chips that enhance and speed up the graphics. Although it is disk compatible with the IBM PC's [[DOS]], its enhanced graphics capabilities make achieving full IBM compatibility more difficult than its competitors.<ref name="infoworld">{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kS4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA20|title=InfoWorld Mar 19 1984|date=19 March 1984}}</ref> [[Bill Gates]] became involved with development, assisting Mindset in emulating IBM character graphics without losing performance. Once Mindset officials determined that most of the desirable software was compatible, development was frozen and the OS burned to [[read-only memory|ROM]], which locked out 20% of the PC software base, including ''[[Microsoft Flight Simulator]]''. [[WordStar]] is one of the PC applications reported to run, and Mindset publicized a list of 60 applications that run unmodified. The software base was expected to increase dramatically once a final version of Windows was released.<ref name="infoworld"/>

Mindset's design is modular in many aspects. The top of the case has an opening to access its [[system bus]]; this allows for the expansion module to plug into the main computer module to add memory and one or two disk drives. The Mindset was designed by several ex-Atari engineers<ref name="infoworld"/> like the [[Amiga 1000]], another computer of the era with an advanced graphics subsystem and modular expandability. Jack Tramiel (forming [[Atari Corporation|Tramel Technology, Ltd.]]) tried to buy Mindset's technology in Spring of 1984.{{sfn|Anderson|1985|p=50}}

A dual 5.25-inch [[floppy disk|floppy drive]] module that sits above the main unit was available and part of the common sales configuration for the system. The module also includes 224&nbsp;KB of expansion memory as well.

Mindset has dual front-mounted ROM cartridge ports with a locking knob on the left side of the main computer module to lock the ROM modules into place.  The Mindset has the option (through its System Configuration Utility) to be able to select whether the system boots from left or right ROM carts, or disk drive.  Cartridges can also contain [[CMOS RAM]], which is retained when unplugged by a battery in the cartridge case. Cartridges were envisioned to be a primary medium for software distribution on the Mindset, but sales of the system were too low for cartridges to be economical, and software was distributed on disk instead.<ref>Anderson 1985, p. 50: "However, perhaps because the Mindset has failed to set the industry on fire, our version of GW-Basic arrived on disk rather than ROM. It seems unlikely to me that new ROM software is likely to appear for the machine, let alone costly CMOS RAM cartridges."</ref>

While released in 1984, models of the M1001 Mindset computer with [[BIOS]] ROM code 1.07 and earlier show a copyright notice of (c) 1983 Mindset Computer Corp.

===Sound processor===
Mindset has a custom sound-processor (CSP). The optional Sound Module adds a second CSP, along with a right channel audio output jack. There are four operating modes:<ref name="MindsetDevGuide">{{cite web |title=Mindset Software Developers Guide |url=http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/mindset/Mindset_Software_Developers_Guide.pdf |website=Bitsavers |publisher=Mindset Corporation}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" 
|-
! Mode
! Name
! Description
|-
| 1
| Music
| Four musical voices with limited effects, [[wavetable synthesis|wavetable lookup]]
|-
| 2
| Sound Effects/Music
| Three voices with sound effects, modified wavetable lookup
|-
| 3
| Max Voice
| Six voices with limited controls, all voices same volume, ramped waveform
|-
| 4
| See-Through
| Direct access to [[digital-to-analog converter|DAC]]
|}

==Rear ports==
The rear of the computer is equipped with the following ports:

* Audio left{{clarify|isn't that just mono?|date=April 2025}}
* [[Composite video|Composite out]]
* [[RF modulator|TV/RF]]
* [[RF modulator|Channel 3/4 select switch]]
* [[RGB_color_model#RGB_and_displays|RGB video output]]
* EXT sync
* Aux in
* Aux out

The rear of the main computer module also has 3× 36-pin Expansion bus slots.

The Dual Disk/Memory Expansion Unit adds an additional three 36-pin Expansion bus slots to the system.

==Expansion modules==
* Dual Disk Drive / Memory Expansion Module. Some are marked Model # M1003 and others M1004, despite there being no internal or external differences.
* Printer Module – parallel
* RS-232-C Module – serial
* Modem Module 300
* Modem Module 1200
* 128 KB memory "Cartridge Module"
* Hard Drive System, consisting of an Interface "Cartridge Module" and HD loader on NVRAM cartridge
* Stereo Module – adds right channel output jack and second sound processor

==Peripherals==
[[File:CHM Artifacts (2376599452).jpg|thumb|Mindset mouse]]
* [[Computer mouse|Mouse]]
* [[Joystick|Analog joystick]]
* [[Graphics tablet|Touch Tablet]]
* Video Production Module – video fader

==Video game==
Only one video game has been released for the Mindset:<ref name="Vyper">{{cite web |title=Vyper |url=https://www.arcade-history.com/?n=vyper&page=detail&id=231819 |website=Gaming History |access-date=8 March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Michalopoulos |first1=Demetrios A. |date=May 1984 |title=New Products |url=https://www.computer.org/csdl/mags/co/1984/05/01659141.pdf |journal=Computer |volume=17 |issue=9 |pages=121–129 |doi=10.1109/MC.1984.1659257}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal |last1=Mace |first1=Scott |date=May 14, 1984 |title=Electronic Antics: Seeing Is Believing |journal=InfoWorld |page=38}}</ref>
* ''Vyper'' ([[Synapse Software]], 1984)

==References==

===Citations===
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="PCM">{{cite magazine |magazine=PC Magazine |date=May 1, 1984
  | title=Sord's lap size, Zenith's compatibility, and Mindset's graphics mark new models
  | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h9RnfyXzV6sC&pg=PA49 |page=49}}
</ref>
}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite journal |first=John |last=Anderson |title= Mindset micro; pushing the envelope, or whatever happened to innovation? |journal=Creative Computing |date=February 1985 |page=50 |url=http://www.atarimagazines.com/creative/v11n2/50_Mindset_micro_pushing_th.php }}
* {{cite journal |title=Stylish Graphics Lead PC Parade |journal=PC News |date=1 May 1984 |page=49 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=h9RnfyXzV6sC&pg=PA49 |ref=CITEREFPCNews1984}}
* {{cite journal |first=Scott |last=Mace |title=The Mindset Computer |journal=InfoWorld |date= 19 March 1984 |pages=20–22 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kS4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA20 }}
* {{cite journal |first=Tony |last=Lima |title=Mindset: A versatile IBM PC compatible with excellent graphics |journal=InfoWorld |date= 13 August 1984 |pages=54–56 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=GS8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA54 }}
* {{cite journal |first=Marguerite |last=Zientara |title=Cheap Chips: Will graphics be the next market to explode? |journal=InfoWorld |date=17 September 1984 |pages=43–44 |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Gy8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA43 }}

==External links==
* [https://www.reddit.com/r/MindsetComputer/ Specs, photos, and commentary regarding the Mindset Computer]
* [http://www.digibarn.com/collections/systems/mindset/ DigiBarn Computer Museum photos and commentary regarding the Mindset Computer]
* [http://www.atarimuseum.com/otherprojects/nonatari/mindset/mindset.html Atari Museum entry regarding the Mindset Computer]

[[Category:Computer workstations]]
[[Category:IBM PC compatibles]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1984]]
[[Category:Collection of the Museum of Modern Art (New York City)]]