When first launched, the Athena I had an unusual but interesting dual-processor design using NSC-800 CPUs, a low-power version of the Zilog Z80. What’s more, it used solid-state storage in the form of fast dynamic RAM. It was a powerful system, but its small LCD and external floppy drive limited its usefulness. In 1983, the company switched to a single low-power Intel 80C86 CPU, the first computer to do so, and offered MS-DOS along with CP/M.
Athena I (1983, transportable) Original Retail Price: $3,250 to $4,950 Base Configuration: dual 2.5MHz NSC-800 CPUs, CP/M 2.2, 68K RAM, 6K ROM, external 5.25-inch floppy disk drive, 128K (1MB max) solid state storage, monochrome LCD, keyboard, two RS-232 and one parallel port, JRT Pascal, owner’s and software manuals, battery pack, AC adapter Video: 4-line x 80-column text Size/Weight: 3.37 x 11/87 x 14.5 inches, 15 lbs. Important Options: 12-inch monochrome monitor |