Vector Graphic 3 (VIP)

YEAR: 1977
ITEM: Digital Computer
COMPANY: Vector Graphics Inc.
COUNTRY: USA
IN OUR COLLECTION: Yes

The Vector Graphics VIP, or Vector 3 is inspired by the Vector 3 terminal which held a normal keyboard of 72 keys and a built in 12" video screen. The VIP held up to 6 S-100 bus boards and came with a Z80A processor equipped with 56KB of RAM. The input for this model was originally configured with a 750 kilobit token passing local area network (LinkNet). The machine was later upgraded to fit a 640k Tandon hard sectored floppy drive. Dennis Wingo¹ who used to work at Vector states,

. A vintage film that uses the Vector 3 is 'The Soldier' from 1982 and was used the head of the CIA and later in the movie in a nuclear missile silo vital for The Soldier's plan².

In the case of the Vector version 2, it does not exist and no information exists on why is was not created. Instead, the company went directly from the Vector V1 with only a base computer station to the Vector V1+ which upgraded a built in floppy drive, moving some power supply components that alowed for an internal 5.25" diskette drive, and later onto the Vector 3 that upgraded to a full keyboard, 12" monitor, and processing programs like Memorite III and Execuplan.

1. https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/X1092.92 2. http://www.starringthecomputer.com/computer.html?c=433