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As a youngster in 1994, I was the happy recipient of a V-Tech PreComputer ThinkBook.

The device had many built in games and activities, including a version of BASIC programming. It also had an expansion cartridge slot for additional activities - including a 'General Trivia 2' game that I had.

One cartridge I clearly remember seeing advertised for the device, but which I never owned, was a "32Kbyte Memory Expansion Cartridge".

While I can't find much info on the PreComputer ThinkBook directly, it seems incredibly similar to the V-Tech PreComputer 2000, which according to Wikipedia, has a similar Memory Expansion Cartridge.

Super Memory Expander (Stock Code: 80-1531) - 32Kbyte memory upgrade for BASIC programs

So any answer applicable to that device was likely the same for my ThinkBook. So I am wondering - what exactly did the memory upgrade do? How did adding 32k of memory improve upon the BASIC capabilities of the device?

What was the actual advantage to being able to write higher memory programs when the device didn't even have non-volatile storage? Unless perhaps the cartridge was non-volatile?

Did it provide any other functionality for the device?

So far I haven't been able to find an answer online, but I thought someone here perhaps had experience with the device / cartridge or similar.

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    "32Kbyte memory upgrade for BASIC programs" What it does is right in the name. It adds memory for BASIC programs. This means you can write larger BASIC programs before running out of memory. Commented Feb 6, 2023 at 0:28
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    Fair enough. But the device didn't even have any non-volatile storage, and erased programs on power off. I don't see the advantage of being able to write larger programs. Unless the cartridge itself provided some non-volatile storage? Commented Feb 6, 2023 at 13:35
  • I don't see the advantage either. Commented Feb 6, 2023 at 22:44
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    If the BASIC was interpreted it might helped a lot as interpreters (at least from my ZX experience) used quite a lot of memory for its own purposes , then you need to store code (lower density then compiled stuff) and then variables, heap stack so for example biggest BASIC program I saw was Zednik ma Zizen game around 40995 BYTES of BASIC code tape file on 48K RAM AX and in order to work it needed to use code packing techniques and be very conservative about variables ... normal BASIC programs would usually fail with half of that size Commented Feb 7, 2023 at 7:22

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I have acquired many V-Tech products over the last few months including Pre Computer 1000, 2000, Power Pad Plus and Power Pad Prestige models.

All these computers have a version of BASIC installed inside them. I'm not sure if it's exactly the same version, but some sort of stripped down MS-BASIC I am to believe.

The Power Pad models have an additional battery backup within the computer itself meaning the regular batteries can be replaced and any saved info will be retained.

I also have the 32K Super Memory Expander which is for Pre Computer 2000 upwards and a PC-Interface that allows you to load and save programs and word processing files between your PC and V-Tech. It also allows you to view quiz questions on a PC screen rather than the small V-Tech one.

The Super Memory Expander Box states the cartridge adds 32K of memory to the BASIC program for more programming fun and to be used with the Pre Computer 2000. Both facts seem to be untrue in my case anyway, keep reading to find out why!

Sadly the 32K Cartridge isn't a memory expander, it has a battery backup (CR2025 battery) and like the PC-Interface can be used to load and save your own programs and word processing files. Sadly you can't use an ADDMEM command for instance to increase the actual memory of the V-Tech itself. This means you are limited to the particular V-Tech's memory capability you are using in terms of writing your own programs.

Using the CLEAR command you can assign space for string variables. Pre Computer 1000 has 1.8K space free, whilst Pre Computer Plus has 3.85K space free.

You're not going to be able to write anything too complicated on a V-Tech. I wanted to adapt a Text Adventure and other programs I got running on a TI CC40 which has a 1 line display like the Pre Computer 1000. Unfortunately without someone bringing out their own RAM Cartridge it's not going to be possible!

Regarding my 32K Super Memory Expander, ironically, the only computer that works with it seems to be my Power Pad Plus, the other models, including my 2 Pre Computer 2000, state "cartridge error" on insertion; very odd! The 1992 Cartridge was sealed as new in its box and the included CR2025 battery still works!

I still think the V-Tech computers are great and I'm still wanting to find all the Trivia Cartridges that were released!

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  • I'm sorry it took me so long to read your answer!! Thanks so much for the detailed reply. This confirms my suspicion that the cartridge could store persistent data, albeit with a CR2032 battery, not non-volitile memory. I still have my 1994 VTech downstairs and still fire it up time to time :) Commented Nov 7, 2024 at 16:03

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