Exidy Sorcerer
The Sorcerer is a home computer system released in 1978 by the video game company Exidy, later under their Exidy Systems subsidiary. Based on the Zilog Z80 and the general layout of the emerging S-100 standard, the Sorcerer was comparatively advanced when released, especially when compared to the contemporary more commercially successful Commodore PET and TRS-80. The basic design was proposed by Paul Terrell, formerly of the Byte Shop, a pioneering computer store.
An Exidy Sorcerer | |
| Manufacturer | Exidy |
|---|---|
| Type | Home computer |
| Release date | 1978 |
| Lifespan | 1978–1980 |
| Introductory price | US$895 (equivalent to $4,200 in 2023) |
| CPU | Zilog Z80 @ 2.106 MHz |
| Memory | Mk I: up to 32 KB on-board RAM Mk II: up to 48 KB on-board RAM |
| Display | 64 × 30 character display, monochrome |
| Sound | none (external additions possible) |
| Connectivity | composite video, Centronics parallel, RS-232, sound in/out for cassette use, 50-pin ribbon connector including the S-100 bus |
| Related | Tulip |
Lacking strong support from its parent company, who were focused on the successful arcade game market, the Sorcerer was sold primarily through international distributors and technology licensing agreements. Distribution agreements with Dick Smith Electronics in Australia and Liveport in the UK as well as Compudata which included a manufacturing license to build, market and distribute the Tulip line of computers in Europe. The system remains relatively unknown outside these markets.
The Exidy Data Systems division was sold to a Wall Street firm, Biotech, in 1983.