Compact Computer 40
The Compact Computer 40 or CC-40 is a portable computer developed by Texas Instruments. It started development in 1981, and was released in March 1983 for US$249. The CC-40 has a single-line 31 character LCD display, weighs 600 grams (21 ounces), and is powered by an AC adapter or can operate for 200 hours on four AA batteries. Memory is not erased by turning the unit off; it can retain data for several months. The CC-40 lacks a way to store data more permanently. Software was only available on cartridge or by typing programs into its built-in BASIC interpreter. The BASIC interpreter is similar but not identical to that of the TI-99/4A.
| Developer | Texas Instruments |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Texas Instruments |
| Type | Portable computer |
| Release date | March 1983 |
| Introductory price | US$249 (equivalent to $731.61 in 2022) |
| CPU | TMS70C20 @ 2.5 MHz |
| Memory | 6 KB |
The CC-40 uses TI's TMS70C20 CPU, an 8-bit microprocessor that runs at 2.5 MHz. The system has 6 kilobytes of Random Access Memory (expandable to 18 KB), and 34 KB of Read Only Memory. Peripherals can be connected via a Hexbus port: an 80 column printer, printer/plotter, RS-232 interface, and modem. A licensed version of the Exatron Stringy Floppy as a digital "Wafertape" unit depicted on the computer's box was only released as a prototype, reportedly because it proved too unreliable.