The computer that I will look at is the VG5000µ from Philips. Most of the time, µ is left out. This computer has no really secret parts, its numerous fans have already made available analysis and there is quiet a lot of technical documentation available.
But that's not a so popular computer. I have lived through the 80's without having heard much about it, nor have I seen one for real. I discovered this computer rather recently, at the beginning of 2016.
This machine is extremely simple, build around a central processor, a video processor and a keyboard. All is contained in a rather light box full of empty space. The computer has a SCART plug, which is a plus at least in France, where I am. This makes it easy to output the display to a not so old screen.
The keyboard is not the best from its time, but not awfully uncomfortable neither. Working directly on this computer in 2017 is something that can be done (for a hobby). The keyboard also shows that this computer is a BASIC programmable oriented one, with shortcuts to keywords directly accessible.
I never found these shortcuts handy. They serve as a quick documentation for the on-board BASIC specific keywords, but at that time on other computers using the same principle, I had found this useless at best.
Before leaving you with a picture of a part of the keyboard, here are some web sites dedicated to VG5000µ, in french ;
- La page des fans du VG5000µ, gives information on hardware, software and documentation.
- VG5000, has information to program the the video processor.
- VG5000 Bazar, contains recent software, articles on various aspects of the computer, and tracks still existing units.
- DCVG5K, is the VG5000µ emulator from Daniel Coulom.
- My VG5000 :), Carl Hervier website full of documentation, information and projects.
