![\"Epson](\"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/scs\/wp-content\/uploads\/PXL_20260114_164713769-scaled.jpg\")
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- Manufacturer<\/strong>: Epson Corporation (Japan)<\/li>\n
- Type<\/strong>: Personal Computer<\/li>\n
- Model<\/strong>: QX-10<\/li>\n
- Release Date<\/strong>: 1983<\/li>\n
- Cost at release<\/strong>: CAD ~$10,000 (adjusted for inflation)<\/li>\n
- Cost with peripherals<\/strong>: CAD ~$17,000 (adjusted for inflation)<\/li>\n
- MIPS<\/strong>: 0.3 (300 KIPS)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Hardware Specifications<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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- CPU<\/strong>: Zilog Z80 CPU running at 4 MHz<\/li>\n
- Memory<\/strong>: 64 KB to 256 KB RAM<\/li>\n
- Graphics<\/strong>: NEC \u00b5PD7220 graphics controller for advanced bitmap graphics<\/li>\n
- Display<\/strong>: Monochrome CRT monitor with 640\u00d7400 pixel resolution<\/li>\n
- Storage<\/strong>: Dual 5.25-inch floppy drives standard; optional hard drives via IDE adapter<\/li>\n
- Keyboard<\/strong>: Full-stroke QWERTY keyboard with function keys<\/li>\n
- Connectivity<\/strong>: Serial and parallel ports for printers and modems<\/li>\n
- Weight<\/strong>: ~14 kg<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Operating System & Programming Languages<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\n
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- Operating System<\/strong>: CP\/M<\/li>\n
- Supported Languages:<\/strong>\n
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- BASIC (typically Microsoft or interpreter variants)<\/li>\n
- Assembly language for the Zilog Z80 processor<\/li>\n
- FORTRAN (via third-party compilers)<\/li>\n
- Pascal<\/li>\n
- COBOL<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Notables<\/h3>\n
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- It was one of the first microcomputers to integrate a sophisticated graphical user interface with the Valdocs suite, pioneering early WYSIWYG office software on CP\/M.<\/li>\n
- The Epson QX-10 used the NEC \u00b5PD7220 graphics chip, one of the earliest graphics controllers, enabling advanced bitmap displays uncommon in 8-bit machines.<\/li>\n
- The Epson QX-10 featured a unique keyboard called the HASCI (Human Application Standard Computer Interface) keyboard, specifically designed to enhance productivity with the Valdocs software suite. It included:\n
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- 10 programmable function keys for quick access to system and software commands.<\/li>\n
- Special keys organized into four groups: system control, file control, applications, and typestyle keys, allowing single-key activation of many computer functions.<\/li>\n
- A dedicated UNDO key, a notable early convenience feature for text editing.<\/li>\n
- A numeric keypad for data entry.<\/li>\n
- The keyboard was connected by a curled cord and designed to work closely with the integrated software, emphasizing ease of use in business environments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
- Nicknamed the “friendly computer,” it targeted business users needing integrated word processing and spreadsheets before IBM PC dominance.<\/li>\n
- Unique among CP\/M machines, it bundled a GUI-like environment, making it a forerunner to later graphical business systems.<\/li>\n
- Although moderately popular, it was somewhat overshadowed by IBM PC compatibles and the Apple Macintosh but remains a notable transitional system.<\/li>\n
- Its advertisements emphasized ease of use and graphical capability, pitching it as a productivity tool for professionals rather than hobbyists.<\/li>\n
- Historically, it illustrates the era\u2019s experimentation beyond pure text interfaces, helping bridge the gap from command-line systems to modern GUIs.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Donated by<\/strong>: Dr. Arlen Michaels<\/p>\n
- Supported Languages:<\/strong>\n
- Memory<\/strong>: 64 KB to 256 KB RAM<\/li>\n
- Type<\/strong>: Personal Computer<\/li>\n