I started with a TI-994A, wish that I still had it. Went to see the movie, “War Games”. Told the girlfriend at that time, I’m going to buy a computer and learn basic programming. It was a learning tool.
I too bought a TI-994a back when they cut the price to $100. I also began to learn programming and think I actually would eventually have become proficient as it seemed pretty simple.
My Daughter wanted it so I let her have it then it tore up. TI replaced it with a reconditioned unit which also tore up.
Did not have another computer until around 1996 or so. I bought a current model which Wal-Mart had reduced to $90, from $795 because it did not work and the packaging was gone. I later saw it for $45 as-is and decided the monitor was worth more than that.
When I got it home, I could get it to turn on but not really work. I did find the name of the kid who had first purchased it. I phoned him and he had installed a newer and better processor but it would not work. I have a cousin who is a computer expert and he came by one day and fixed it with no problem.
I used it for years. It probably would still work OK but it has just sat in storage for years.
Yeah, I learned BASIC and LOGO on the TI-99/A too. Also used the daisy wheel printer and the word processor on that to print out my own character sheets and stuff for tabletop role playing games. Good times :)
They will never know the TRUE thrill and horror of hunting the Wumpus.
I provided some of the equipment used in the “War Games” set, toured the studio, etc, it was a hoot. The director was intent on making it as realistic as feasible but had to fight others who thought computers should chatter like teletype machines and spit out slips of paper.
My mother’s proudest bargain shopping moment was buying TI99 at the base eschange for 99 dollars and it had a 100 dollar mail in rebate....she said “someone paid us a dollar to bring this computer home”
Loved loading programs like the knock off D and D game onto the TI99 with a cassette tape.
Wirrr click click wee aww!!!