Olivetti Envision

Olivetti Envision (400/P75)
Olivetti Envision P75, with manuals and peripherals
ManufacturerOlivetti
TypeMultimedia personal computer
Release date1995; 29 years ago (1995)
Discontinued1996; 28 years ago (1996)
Operating systemWindows 95
CPUIntel 486 DX4 100 MHz or Intel Pentium P75 processor
Memory8 MB
StorageFloppy disk; Hard drive; CD-ROM
Removable storage1.4 MB 3.5" floppy disk; CD-ROM
DisplayVGA monitor, TV; 1024x768, 800x600
GraphicsTrident TGV9470
SoundCrystal Semiconductor Corporation CS4231 + Oak Mozart OTI 605
InputKeyboard, remote
ConnectivityParallel, Serial, Modem

The Olivetti Envision (400/P75) was an Italian multimedia personal computer produced in 1995.[1][2][3] It came with a choice of two processors: Intel 486 DX4 100 MHz or Intel Pentium P75.[2]

It had an infrared keyboard and internal modem, and it was compatible with audio CDs, CD-ROMs, Photo CDs and Video CDs.[4] Preinstalled software allowed the computer to work as a fax or answering machine when connected to a telephone line.[5]

The Envision had three possible operating modes:

Designed by M. De Lucchi,[1] the declared goal for this device was to convince non-computer-savvy people that computers are not impossibly hard to use and can be bought and used like normal home appliances. For this reason, it was intentionally designed to resemble a videocassette recorder more than a computer, and it was equipped with two SCART sockets (to connect it to a TV set),[1] a TV-like remote control, and a slot that could host a satellite TV decoder card.[6]

The Olivetti Envision was discontinued in 1996 due to poor sales caused by its excessive price, many software bugs and limited expandability.[7][2]

Technical specifications[1][8]

References

  1. ^ a b c d "OLIVETTI ENVISION, 1995". Laboratorio-Museo Tecnologicamente (in Italian). Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  2. ^ a b c "Olivetti Envision - Obscure Italian Multimedia device". Ultimate Console Database. 2009. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  3. ^ a b Wim, Wubs (2010). "Olivetti Envision P75". Klassieke computers (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 2020-03-22. Retrieved 2022-11-11.
  4. ^ Grimwood, Jon Courtenay (23 October 1995). "On the sofa with your favourite program". The Independent. Retrieved 2010-12-24.
  5. ^ Nicola, Saldutti (September 8, 1995). "Olivetti rilancia sui computer". Corriere della Sera (in Italian). p. 23. Archived from the original on 2012-09-02.
  6. ^ Ciardelli, Paolo (December 1995). "Olivetti Envision". MC Microcomputer. No. 157. p. 204.
  7. ^ Pedrazzini, Fabrizio (2001). "OLIVETTI ENVISION". The Strange (and Rare) Videogame Pics Page. Retrieved 2011-03-16.
  8. ^ ENVISION 400/P75/P100 (PDF).
  9. ^ TVG9470 TV Accelerator. Trident Microsystems. September 1995.
  10. ^ CS4231A - Parallel Interface, Multimedia Audio Codec (PDF). Crystal Semiconductor Corporation. 1994.
  11. ^ "Olivetti Personal Computers Mozart OTI 605 driver. Driver for Olivetti Educator PCS P/90 E/En original sound card". www.soundcard-drivers.com. Retrieved 2022-11-11.