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Philips VG-8235

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Philips VG-8235
Also known asPhonola VG-8235
DeveloperNEC
Typehome computer
Release date1986
Operating systemMSX-DOS 1.0, MSX BASIC 2.0
CPUZilog Z80A @ 3.58 MHz
Memory128 KB
Removable storagefloppy disc
GraphicsYamaha V9938
Backward
compatibility
MSX2
A Philips VG-8235 in operation
Backside interfaces of Philips VG-8235

The Philips VG-8235 is a Philips MSX2 compatible home computer, released in 1986 in Europe.[1][2][3][4][5] It was developed and manufactured by the NEC.[2][4]

The machine was the successor to the VG-8230,[3] and features a dark case with 128KB of RAM and a built-in 360KB floppy disk drive and keyboard. The VG-8235 was eventually succeeded by the Philips NMS 8245 that offered a larger capacity 720KB floppy disc drive.[2][5]

Description

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The VG-8235 was a versatile machine, supporting not just gaming but also productivity tasks like word processing and programming. It was compatible with the popular BASIC programming language, making it a practical machine for hobbyists and students learning to code.

Various models were produced:[1][4]

  • VG-8235/00 with MSX-BASIC 2.0 and QWERTY keyboard;
  • VG-8235/02 for the German market with MSX-BASIC 2.0 and QWERTZ keyboard;
  • VG-8235/16 for the Spanish market with MSX-BASIC 2.0 and QWERTY keyboard with ñ key;
  • VG-8235/19 for the French market with MSX-BASIC 2.0 and AZERTY keyboard;
  • VG-8235/20 revised model with MSX-BASIC 2.1 and QWERTY keyboard;
  • VG-8235/22/29 for the German market with MSX-BASIC 2.1 and QWERTZ keyboard;
  • VG-8235/36 for the Spanish market with MSX-BASIC 2.1 and QWERTY keyboard with ñ key;
  • VG-8235/39 for the French market with MSX-BASIC 2.1 and AZERTY keyboard.

The computer was sold in Italy as the Phonola VG-8235.[4]

The VG-8235 comes with two disks containing applications: MSX-DOS 1, MSX Home Office and MSX Designer.[4]

Specifications

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The Philips VG-8235 had the following technical specifications:[1][2][3][5]

  • CPU: Zilog Z80A at 3.58 MHz
  • RAM: 128 KB
  • VRAM: 128 KB
  • Graphics: Yamaha V9938 (screen modes: 256×192, 512×212 with 16 colors out of a palette of 512)
  • Sound: proprietary sound chip[2]
  • Storage: Built-in 360 KB 3.5-inch floppy disk drive
  • Operating System: MSX-DOS 1.0, MSX BASIC 2.0
  • Ports: two joystick ports, printer port, two cartridge slots, video output (RF, RGB, composite), cassette tape interface

References

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  1. ^ a b c "Philips - VG 8235". Generation MSX.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Philips VG-8235". Home Computer Museum. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
  3. ^ a b c "VG 8235". OLD-COMPUTERS.COM : The Museum. 2023-10-01. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
  4. ^ a b c d e "Philips VG-8235". MSX Resource Center.
  5. ^ a b c "Philips VG8235 MSX 2". Virtuellen Dortmunder Computer Museum (in German). Retrieved 2024-10-10.