I have acquired many Vtech 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 back up 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 Vtech. It also allows you to view quiz question on a PC screen rather than the small vtech one.

Sadly the 32K Cartridge isn't a Ram Cartridge, it has a battery backup )CR2025 battery) and like the PC Interface can load and save programs and word processing files, BUT you can't use an ADDMEM command for instance to add additional memory to the Vtech itself. This means you are limited to the particular VTech's memory capability you are using.

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 of space free.

You're not going to be able to write anything too complicated on a VTech. 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, states "cartridge error" on insertion very odd! The 1992 Cartridge was sealed as new in its box and the included CR2025 still works!

I still think the Vtech Computers are great and I'm still wanting to find all the released Trivia Cartridges that were released!