Texas Instruments Compact Computer 40

The Compact Computer 40 was a notebook-sized portable BASIC computer with a one-line LCD, calculator-style keyboard and battery-backed memory. Its low-power TMS70C20 processor allowed exceptionally long operation from four AA batteries.

The CC-40 anticipated later organiser and notebook computers, but the cancellation of TI’s Wafertape storage drive left owners without the promised convenient way to save programs outside battery-backed RAM.

Notable Features

• One-line 31-character LCD
• Hex-Bus peripheral interface
• Memory retained while switched off through low-power CMOS design

Historical Significance

• The CC-40 anticipated later organiser and notebook computers, but the cancellation of TI’s Wafertape storage drive left owners without the promised convenient way to save programs outside battery-backed RAM.

Collector’s Notes

• The unreleased Wafertape drive is often mentioned with the CC-40; ordinary surviving machines generally relied on cartridge software and volatile working methods.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Texas Instruments Compact Computer 40
Manufacturer	Texas Instruments
Launched	Tuesday, March 1, 1983
Discontinued	1984
Launch Price	$249
Country	United States
CPU	Texas Instruments TMS70C20
Units Sold
Form Factor	Handheld / notebook
Power	Four AA batteries or AC adapter
Networking	None built in
Operating System	TI BASIC
Expansion / I/O	8-pin Hex-Bus; optional RS-232 through peripherals
Keyboard	Calculator-style QWERTY keyboard with numeric keypad
Storage	Cartridge; promised cassette, disk and Wafertape peripherals were not generally released
Sound	Piezoelectric beeper
Colours	Monochrome
Graphics	31 characters using 5 x 8 dot cells
Display	Single-line LCD
ROM	34 KB including TI BASIC
RAM	6 KB standard; expandable to 18 KB
CPU Speed	2.5 MHz