This object consists of 9 parts, some of which may be located elsewhere.

PreComputer 2000

Computer
1992-1993 (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The PreComputer 2000 was designed to teach rudimentary computer skills and programming using the BASIC programming language. The 34 games included with the computer featured four levels of complexity and were designed for one or two players. The games focused on developing a number of skills, such as touch typing and building vocabulary.

Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 9 parts.

  • Computer
  • Cover
  • Book
  • Box
  • Packaging
  • Packaging
  • Leaflet
  • Leaflet
  • Leaflet
Titles
  • PreComputer 2000 (manufacturer's title)
  • Genius Leader 2000 (alternative title)
Materials and techniques
Plastics, LCD screen, electronic components, printed card and paper
Brief description
Learning computer, 'PreComputer 2000', made by VTech, China, 1992-93
Physical description
1. PreComputer 2000; a folding, laptop-style computer made from various plastics, containing circuitry and electronic components. There is a QWERTY keyboard with additional function keys, coloured in varying shades of grey with red, white and blue printed lettering. The back part has a two line LCD display and a touch operated activity keyboard. Under the left side of the back panel is a slot to take further cartridges for games. The batteries or electrical adapter are fitted in at the back and underneath the keyboard. It requires four 1.5V or LR14 batteries. It is marked on a panel underneath with the maker's details and copyright date 1992.

2. A small matching grey plastic plate to cover the battery compartment.

3. Computer Teacher Course Book; printed blue and grey card and paper, bound on a white plastic spiral. Marked on the back 'VTECH © 1992 Video Technology Printed in Hong Kong' 91-0610-09.

4. Original box; card printed in colours to show photographs of the toy and equipment together with children using it, plus details of the computer's functions and its manufacturer.

5,6. Panels of plain card to hold the computer in place in its box.

7. Leaflet; 'MUCH MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE', printed in colours to show the various toys produced by VTech.

8. Leaflet; VTECH Product Warranty

9. Leaflet; notice about the use of batteries; printed in red.
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
'32-0682-355'
Gallery label
(01/07/2023)
PreComputer 2000

Designed for children, this computer (above) has educational wordactivities, trivia and vocabularygames. It incorporates BASIC, a simple programming language developed in the 1960s.

By the mid 1990s, the simpler interfaces of Microsoft and Apple ended most people’s need to learn how to code. Today, coding skills are taught in schools.

Designer: VTech
Date: 1993
Location: Designed USA, manufactured China
Materials: Plastic, glass, electronics
Given by VTech
Museum no. B.134-1993

[Young V&A, Design Gallery, Design helps us to learn, long object label] <#caret>
Credit line
Given by VTech
Summary
The PreComputer 2000 was designed to teach rudimentary computer skills and programming using the BASIC programming language. The 34 games included with the computer featured four levels of complexity and were designed for one or two players. The games focused on developing a number of skills, such as touch typing and building vocabulary.
Collection
Accession number
B.134:1 to 9-1993

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Record createdApril 17, 2000
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest