Does anyone here own a Mattel Aquarius?

[Opa Opa]

Anyone here own a Mattel Aquarius? It is the home computer offered by Mattel in '83. It had... I think... about 20 games, some spreadsheet applications, and even used a tape recorder to store its data.




The reason I ask is because I'm finding that I'm becoming increasingly interested in the older consoles/home computers. If anyone has any information for me that would be awesome.

[CRTGAMER]

I don't have the Mattel computer, but I do remember seeing it in the huge glass case at Toys R Us. Anyone remember that glass case? There was so much stuff to drool over.

The C64 might be an easier find, so many were sold. The Aquarius had crappy keys compared to the Commodore full sized keyboard. Ever seen the IBM PC Junior with those same silly chicklet calculator keys? Plus the C64 has a standard basic for easy to type in a couple famous programs of the day. Super Star Trek and Eliza! On the Vic20 one game shined; Type Attack which was perfect on the 22 column screen.

[Opa Opa]

I don't have the Mattel computer, but I do remember seeing it in the huge glass case at Toys R Us. Anyone remember that glass case? There was so much stuff to drool over.

The C64 might be an easier find, so many were sold. The Aquarius had crappy keys compared to the Commodore full sized keyboard. Ever seen the IBM PC Junior with those same silly chicklet calculator keys? Plus the C64 has a standard basic for easy to type in a couple famous programs of the day. Super Star Trek and Eliza! On the Vic20 one game shined; Type Attack which was perfect on the 22 column screen.

Yeah a Commodore-64 would be a heck of a lot easier to locate and a more cost-friendly entry into antique computer gaming.

I don't know; I guess I just find the Aquarius more appealing. I really like the overall design of Mattel's products however these things are carrying a hefty price tag for a beginning collector.

I was just wondering if anyone has used one of these and what they thought. Although the Aquarius is older than most of the forum members here. I probably should have asked at AtariAge.

[CRTGAMER]

I don't have the Mattel computer, but I do remember seeing it in the huge glass case at Toys R Us. Anyone remember that glass case? There was so much stuff to drool over.

The C64 might be an easier find, so many were sold. The Aquarius had crappy keys compared to the Commodore full sized keyboard. Ever seen the IBM PC Junior with those same silly chicklet calculator keys? Plus the C64 has a standard basic for easy to type in a couple famous programs of the day. Super Star Trek and Eliza! On the Vic20 one game shined; Type Attack which was perfect on the 22 column screen.

Yeah a Commodore-64 would be a heck of a lot easier to locate and a more cost-friendly entry into antique computer gaming.

I don't know; I guess I just find the Aquarius more appealing. I really like the overall design of Mattel's products however these things are carrying a hefty price tag for a beginning collector.

I was just wondering if anyone has used one of these and what they thought. Although the Aquarius is older than most of the forum members here. I probably should have asked at AtariAge.

It is an interesting collectible. The other thing to consider is the software, find the games that appeal. Aquarius had a limited library, another reason why the C64 is worth looking into. If you want something unique with a HUGE software selection, there is also the 128D, Educator 64 and even the transportable SX64. All these run all the C64 games on disk, floppy and cart.

I actually modded my SX64 to take the video and audio input of a DVD player or console. A bypass select switch for computer or aux input, hid the jacks under the keyboard input cable. Ridiculous watching a movie on that tiny screen, just the novelty of making the mod work.



Storage bay for the Fast Load cart, has output for a regular SVideo or Composite monitor. 8 Bit computers are neglected "consoles" that can work on the HD, most come with game carts!

[Opa Opa]

Thanks for the suggestions!

[Curlypaul]

Yeah it does look very nice, I'd also love to get into ancient computers but I just dont have the room.

Are there any emulators for it? might be useful to see what the OS and the software are like before you throw a load of cash at it

[Opa Opa]

Yeah it does look very nice, I'd also love to get into ancient computers but I just dont have the room.

Are there any emulators for it? might be useful to see what the OS and the software are like before you throw a load of cash at it

I just found an emulator for it!

Graphically it can't compete with the Intellivision but it's pretty fun.

[o.pwuaioc]

CCS64 (Commodore 64 emu)
blueMSX (MSX emu)

I'm sure people are familiar with others too.

[Opa Opa]

CCS64 (Commodore 64 emu)
blueMSX (MSX emu)

I'm sure people are familiar with others too.

Thanks for the links.

Anyone want the Aquarius link?

[o.pwuaioc]

CCS64 (Commodore 64 emu)
blueMSX (MSX emu)

I'm sure people are familiar with others too.

Thanks for the links.

Anyone want the Aquarius link?

Sure, why not? I probably won't get around to playing with it too much, but if you know of a good one you can recommend, do share.