Microcomputer Associates

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Microcomputer Associates, Inc., was an American computer company founded by Manny Lemas and Ray Holt. It produced the low-cost Jolt Microcomputer, designed by Holt and released in 1975 for US$249(equivalent to $1,350 in 2022). [1] [2] A Jolt microcomputer was notably used in the Atari VCS prototype by Cyan Engineering. [3]

MAI was later acquired by semiconductor manufacturer Synertek, a second source manufacturer of the 6502, and renamed Synertek Systems. [4] It then created the SYM-1, a 6502-based single board microcomputer and spiritual successor to the KIM-1. In 1978 the company offered a number of processor and peripheral modules. [5]

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References

  1. Upton, Molly (October 15, 1975). "Age of Build-It-Yourself Micros Arrives at Wescon". Computerworld. 9 (40): 36. Microcomputer Associates introduces the 6502 based Jolt computer kit for $249.
  2. "JOLT". Archived from the original on November 21, 2010. Retrieved April 17, 2011.
  3. Goldberg, Marty; Vendel, Curt (2012). "Chapter 5" . Atari Inc: Business is Fun . Sygyzy Press. ISBN   978-0985597405.
  4. Staff writer (March 14, 1978). "Microcomputer Associates acquired by Synertek". The Peninsula Times Tribune: 35 via Newspapers.com.
  5. J. C. Boonham Small systems computer sourcebook Taylor & Francis, 1978 ISBN   0-470-26295-8 pages 11-13