Tiger Electronics has begun shipping the Tiger Learning Computer [TLC], a small, notebook-like computer targeted children, which is based on the Apple IIe/c, the software is also IIe/IIc compatible, think that's naff, there is still a HUGE amount of Apple IIe's around in the states and Europe, so we'll all be getting out the old carts.
The stats
The TLC comes configured with:
128K of RAM [wow, but hay this is for kids]
Two cartridge slots
PS/2 mouse [hardly gets used]
Parallel [printer]
Serial modem port
Joystick, Headphone jack & video/audio output ports
There is no disk drive port all programs are loaded from ROM cartridges. Also comes with one RAM cartridge for storing work.
 
First contact
When you first set eyes on the TLC you could find you self thinking it’s a cut down PowerBook 190. Small and lightweight but tough enough to take the slips its intended young audience will surely give it.
Instead of a screen the top of the TLC holds 6 cartridges. The black finish makes it all the more appealing to children as it looks like a ‘grown-up’ computer to their eyes. The matching comfortable mouse completes the package.
The TLC uses a television for a monitor or it can be hooked up to monitor just like any old Apple II...in the absence of RCA input jacks on the television, the video can be routed through a VCR or an RF modulator.
Software
The TLC ships with five ROM cartridges containing the following programs:
AppleWorks 4.3 [cousin to a cut down ClarisWorks] Word Processor
Weights & Measures and Math Shop
Fractions and Decimals from Scholastic Software Invisible Bugs
Sun and Seasons
StickyBear Typing
Grammar Gobble and Picture Chompers from MECC
When the computer is first booted, it displays a splash screen with the name Tiger Learning Computer, then boots to a graphical desktop [with a female voice inviting the user to pick an activity]. Clicking on a disk drive lets you boot one of the cartridges inserted into the computer, clicking on printer lets you configure the printer port, etc.
The TLC retails for about £238.00 [$149.00]. As head to head competition against a Apple IIe it loses because of lack of expandability, storage, and tight keyboard.
Overall
It's a real computer with a selection of software from the best educational software library around, and it’s a small learning tool not a toy. The keyboard is a bit on the small size, but it is just right for kids, the little mouse too. Take a look at the site and see what you think, order one for the kids for Christmas [they might even thank you].
