■ HARDWARE ■ SOFTWARE ■ GADGETS ■ TOOLS
continued from page 30
today’s world. It
certainly isn’t a
computer as they
are known today.
But instead, as its
name suggests,
Retro is a throw-back to the early
days of computing a Basic language
computer. “I miss being able to turn
on a computer, have it boot in about
one second, and then start writing
programs,” says Don Bartley, the
owner of Multilabs. “It was also nice
having direct control over the system
before complex operating systems
took over.” From this, Retro was born.
Retro brings back the earlier days of
computing. A computer with a built-in Basic language interpreter,
commands to give the user direct
control over the system, no complex
operating system to get in the users
way, and even an expansion port that
allows users to connect their own
equipment to it and write programs
to control them.
other industrial equipment. What’s more is
that the expansion
port is two-way so it
can also read data
from temperature and
position sensors, for
example. With this level of control,
Retro is not just for the home user
but has a wide array of applications.
“It may seem a bit simplistic in
today’s world but Retro has many
uses and applications,” says Don,
“There is something for everybody,
beginners to experts alike.” Retro
offers an environment that is not
overwhelming and is user friendly
that a beginner can learn computer
programming on. More seasoned
programmers will enjoy the direct
control over the system without a
complex operating system getting in
the way. “Besides programming,
Retro offers its expansion port,” says
Don, “With the expansion port, any
user can connect their own devices
and equipment to Retro
and program Retro to
control them.” “Retro
combine’s software and
hardware disciplines
together,” Don adds.
Retro’s other connectors are for
a PS/2 style keyboard, digital joystick,
asynchronous serial communications,
sound, and a VGA monitor. Retro
comes with built-in non-volatile
memory storage for user programs so
programs can be stored for later use.
It also sports an expansion socket so
users can add-on program storage
and even transfer programs between
Retro computers. At a starting price
that doesn’t ‘break the bank,’ Retro is
affordable to a wide array of users.
“Whether for personal or professional
use, Retro is affordable, easy to use,
and above all enjoyable,” says Don.
Can a computer travel back in time?
Yes it can.
For more information, contact:
Multilabs
Tel: 775-852-7430
Web: www.multilabs.net
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continued on page 93
The expansion port goes
beyond this use and can
be used in commercial
and industrial applications,
as well. With the
expansion port, Retro
can control external
equipment such as relays,
motors, solenoids, and
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