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Microcomputer Associates

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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 $1,410 in 2023).[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]

References

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  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