The ADAM is available in two models, the complete system and Expansion Module #3. When the memory console of Expansion Module #3 is connected to the ColecoVision, the two models are essentially identical in function. The unit pictured here is the expasion module #3 (it is shorter than the complete unit). The expansion module #3 uses part of the Colecovision hardware, thus the memory unit doesn't have any cartridge slot, and isn't delivered with any controllers nor TV switch box.
The whole system is made of the daisywheel printer, the memory unit and the keyboard. The power supply is built-in the printer!
The Smart Basic isn't in ROM and has to be loaded from a tape, however there's a little word processor in ROM, this word processor prints the text to the printer at the same time the user types on the keyboard, but can also be used as a classic wordprocessor.
The Adam had a pretty short life, only two years! Despite this there is still a community of Adam fans who still use their system. Nowadays, most Adam users use a 320k 5 1/4 inch disk drive, an external 2400 baud modem, and a 20, 30 or 40 megabyte IDE harddisk. Adams often have memory expanders up to 2 MB in size (which is usually used as a RAM disk), and also a parallel printer (like a bubble jet)!
Greg Bowman reports that he got an external CD drive for his Adam from his uncle who was then Vice President of Coleco. He notices that this CD drive was designed especially for the Adam. If anyone has more information about this CD drive, don't hesitate to mail us.
We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system,
please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.
I still have mine. Haven''t used it in ages. When I upgraded to a PC, it just got packed away and forgotten about. It was a great machine. I found it the other day while cleaning out my garage. Still trying to find the Buck Rogers tape though. Never did figure out how to play the game, but used the system for my small business. Served a great purpose for a long time. Now, I think it''s time to part ways.
Wednesday 11th August 2010
Julie (USA)
I bought the second generation of the Coleco Adam in 1984 at Sears for $800. It came with a printer, cpu, single tape drive, the Colecovision game module, two game controllers, 1 program tape, Basic, two blank tapes for storing data, one game tape, Buck Rogers - Planet of Zoom, and one Colecovision Game Cartridge, Donkey Kong!!. I also added a second tape drive which made storing data much easier, and added a memory module which maxed out the memory to 80kb with the Colecovision plugged in too. The built-in word processor was pretty basic, but It worked well and was useful for my needs at the time. Typing papers. I had to send it away one time for repair only, otherwise it worked great the entire time I had it. I used that machine from 1984 when I bought it until 1992, when I bought my first PC. I sold the entire package for $55.00. I wish I still had it.
Friday 4th June 2010
Steve (USA)
I don't know a lot about the specs and the tech stuff but i had one of these when i was a kid and it was old then, i loved it i had tons of game for probaly at least 60, had some cave man games and trolls, it took sega cartridges, and i rember buck rogers on the cassete tapes , and the newest thing we had for it was the big 5" somthing floopy. the graphics seemed way ahead of there time on par with a 286 atleast and the sound was quite good, coming from some one who had a 386 with just the pc speaker 16 colour!
Thursday 28th December 2006
Ben (USA)
NAME
ADAM
MANUFACTURER
Coleco
TYPE
Home Computer
ORIGIN
U.S.A.
YEAR
June 1983
END OF PRODUCTION
1985
BUILT IN LANGUAGE
SmartWriter wordprocessor, Smart BASIC delivered on data-pack
KEYBOARD
Full-stroke keyboard with separated arrow keys, ten command keys and six programmable function keys. 75 keys
CPU
Zilog Z80 A
SPEED
4 mHz
CO-PROCESSOR
6801 Master-microcomputer
RAM
64 kb (25 kb available with Smart Basic), upgradable to 144 kb
VRAM
16 kb
ROM
32 kb
TEXT MODES
40 x 24 / 36 x 24
GRAPHIC MODES
256 x 192
COLORS
16
SOUND
3 voices, 5 octaves
I/O PORTS
Cartridge slot (complete system only), RGB video out, 2 x Joystick sockets, expansion port, 2 x ADAMNET port (serial port used to connect printer, digital tapes and keyboard), 3 x card connectors inside the case
BUILT IN MEDIA
1 - Digital data pack reader (real to real magnetic tape encased in a Lexan cassette), 256 KB. There is a room for an optional second one
OS
EOS (Elementary Operating System) / OS-7
POWER SUPPLY
Built-in the printer !
PERIPHERALS
Second digital data-pack drive, 5''1/4 disk-drive, modem, 64k RAM expansion