The Olivetti Prodest PC1 is a personal computer with NEC V40 processor (compatible with the Intel 80188). It was produced, in 1987-1988, by the Italian company Olivetti.
It is a computer with a bit poor performance, even compared to the production era, in fact it was intended for the home / educational market.
The operating system is MSDOS. With regard to data storage media, the Olivetti Prodest PC1 is equipped with one (or two) internal floppy disk drives, 3.5", 720KB. It can also be equipped with a hard disk which, however, my computer does not have.
I wasn't looking for this computer in particular. Looking at the offers on eBay (related to vintage computers, of course!), I saw this computer equipped with the 12-inch green phosphor monitor, model Olivetti MM 1202. I bought it right away! In fact, it has a line that I really like.
In the purchased lot, there is also the video cable, to connect the computer (which, at the rear, has a round DIN connector) to the monitor (which has an RCA connector).
Startup screen
The computer boots with Resident Diagnostics: These are ROM-resident diagnostic programs that verify that the computer is working properly. Diagnostic programs test the operation of: CPU (Nec V40), ROM, DMA, Interrupts, Timer, RAM, floppy disk drive, hard disk (if present).
After the initial self-test, the computer searches for a startup disk (floppy floppy disk or hard disk). If there is no boot disk, it prompts you to insert it and press a key.
The computer then starts with the Microsoft MS-DOS operating system version 3.20.
Technical characteristics of the Olivetti Prodest PC1
CPU: NEC V40 (μPD70208), 16-bit, 4.77 MHz / 8 MHz software selectable
ROM: 16 KB
RAM: 256KB / 512KB, expandable up to 640KB via bus, my computer has 512KB
Graphics: 8-pole DIN output for analog TV or monitor, DB9 output for CGA monitor
Text mode: 80 columns x 25 rows or 40 columns x 25 rows
Graphics mode: 640 x 200 pixels or 320 x 200 pixels
Audio: Built-in system speaker, audio output jack
Keyboard: QWERTY 83 keys, includes function keys and numeric keypad
Software supplied: Microsoft MS-DOS version 3.20
Storage media: n. 1 internal floppy disk drive, 3.5", 720 KB (the computer supports up to n. 2 internal floppy disk drives and also a hard disk)
Expansion ports:
- Hi-Fi audio (jack that, when inserted, excludes the system speaker)
- Centronics
- Serial (DB25)
- Serial (DB9) for mouse
- Monitor (n. 1 DIN 8 poles for TV or analog monitor, n. 1 CGA DB9)
- Lateral expansion bus, 8-bit ISA type (but with some voltages and data missing), IBM compatible
On the lateral (external) expansion bus it is possible to connect, using an expansion box or a riser card: floppy disk drive, RAM expansion, LAN, MODEM, EGA, CD ROM, telematic adapter, Music Box, etc...
Dimensions and weight: 39 x 31 x 8 cm, 3.5 Kg
Emulation
The Olivetti Prodest PC1 computer starts with Microsoft MS-DOS operating system. It is possible to emulate the MS-DOS environment with DOSBox (although DOSBox is an emulator for x86-based systems).
Power supply
The power supply of the Olivetti Prodest PC1 personal computer is internal. The mains power cable comes directly from the computer. My example is powered by 220 V alternating current 50 Hz and absorbs 35 W.
The Olivetti MM 1202 monitor is powered separately, always at 220 V in alternating current 50 Hz and draws 30 W.
Papers
1. Olivetti Prodest PC1, user manual (ITA)
Collection entry date: 14/03/2022