Console: APF MP 10000
Manufacturer: APF Electronics Inc
Availability: 1978
Price: $130 ($459.34 with inflation)
History:
In 1978 APF Electronics Inc decided to enter the home video computer market by introducing the APF MP1000 home console. APF also released an identical console called the M1000. The APF MP1000 is a simple cartridge based home console similar to other home consoles during this time including the Atari Video Computer System (now known as the Atari 2600), and the Mattel Intellivision. The one thing that set the MP1000 apart was that it was only a part of a true “Imagination Machine”.
APF Electronics Inc also released a home computer module called the APF MPA-10 (they weren’t too “imaginative” with names). The M1000/MP1000 video game home consoles could actually dock into the MPA-10 module and together become a hybrid computer. When combined the whole unit was referred to as the “APF Imagination Machine” and included a keyboard, BASIC programming, 9K of RAM (expandable to 17K RAM), color graphics, and a built in cassette recorder. One thing that was very unique at the time was that the data track and audio track were mixed, and when you load a game, a pre-recorded voice would tell you about the program. In additional APF released an optional 5-1/4” disk drive. The APF Imagination Machine retailed for $599 USD ($2,116.52 with inflation), or the MP-10 could be purchased separately for $499 USD ($1,763.18 with inflation), and the MP1000 console retailed for $130 ($459.34 with inflation). Because of the high cost, both the Imagination Machine and MP1000 are rare gaming items today.
Console:
The MP1000 console is very basic in design. It’s smaller than both the Atari VCS and Mattel Intellivision consoles and came with two hardwired in controllers, and both the 9V AC adapter and RF cable were also hardwired in.
The two controllers have a joystick (which handle very similar to a Colecovision controller joystick), and a calculator style button layout on them. There is one red “fire” button on each controller at the very top of the controller. The joystick is very clunky, and the “fire” action button is in an awkward spot being placed on the very top.
Though the MP1000 is brown, the MP-10 module is lighter in color. The keyboard and built in cassette deck look very similar to the Commodore 64’s.
Games:
Only twelve game carts were ever released for the APF MP1000. Most of these games are very basic including titles like Baseball, Casino and Boxing. There was o ne built in game which was Rocket Patrol. The APF MP1000 could display eight total colors.
Many of the unsold APF MP1000 game carts were recycled and later used for the Emerson Arcadia 2001.
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