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Demonstration |
As the name implies, this is a demonstration cartridge for the VideoBrain. Demonstration cartridges were used in store displays to show off what the system could do and sell it to the customer. A nice flashing welcome message greets the user as the VideoBrain goes through several screens explaining the various software available for the system, and how the VideoBrain will solve all their problems.
Like most demonstration cartridges, there is limited interaction from the user. At one point the cartridge will ask the user to solve a simple math problem, and to enter a message that will be displayed later on in the demo. One thing that all demonstrations cartridges have in common is that they try to make the computer sound like a human. During the demo the screens constantly refer to the system as a person ("I can help you do this" or "You can challenge me to a game of checkers"). This was an attempt to make the computer sound more warm and friendly, as most people at that time had no experience with computers and were easily scared by them.
Interestingly the Demonstration cartridge mentions Gladiator, Blackjack, and even shows a demo of Checkers even though those cartridges wouldn't be released for several months. To date only two Demonstration cartridges are known to exist and only one with an actual box (the other has a label slapped over a Financier box). Approximately 157 Demonstration cartridges were made from 2-28-78 ti 1-19-78 making it, along with Pinball, the first cartridges manufactured.
