Dick Smith Cat

The Dick Smith Cat was the Australasian version of Video Technology’s Laser 3000, an enhanced 6502 computer that could run much Apple II software with an optional emulator cartridge. Its integrated keyboard included a numeric keypad and function keys.

The Cat added 80-column text, double-high-resolution graphics, a sound chip and advanced memory handling beyond a basic Apple II clone. Dick Smith marketed it as a less expensive route into the large Apple software library.

Notable Features

• Optional emulator cartridge enabled broad Apple II software compatibility.
• Built-in 80-column text and 560 x 192 graphics anticipated common Apple IIe upgrades.
• 2MHz CPU, numeric keypad, function keys and sound hardware extended the basic Apple design.

Historical Significance

• A technically ambitious Australian-market Apple-compatible system.
• Demonstrated how clone manufacturers were adding features rather than merely copying the Apple II.

Collector’s Notes

• Compatibility varies without the emulator cartridge; the machine is not a perfect Apple II clone.
• Original expansion cards, disk controller and Cat technical manuals are uncommon.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Dick Smith Cat
Manufacturer	Dick Smith Electronics
Launched	Tuesday, May 1, 1984
Country	Australia
CPU	MOS Technology 6502 at 2 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Extended BASIC and monitor; Apple DOS/software through emulator
I/O	Cassette, game, parallel printer, expansion, system bus and optional RS-232
Keyboard	Integrated full-travel keyboard with numeric keypad and function keys
Storage	Cassette; optional Apple-compatible floppy drives
Sound	Programmable sound chip
Graphics	280 x 192 or 560 x 192 graphics
Display	40 x 24 or 80 x 24 text
ROM	32KB, partly overlaid by emulator cartridge
RAM	48KB native; 64KB in emulation mode and further expansion supported
CPU Speed	2 MHz