Last updated on September 1st, 2023 at 05:35 pm
The Olivetti M20 was a personal computer designed and released by Olivetti in 1982[1]. Although it offered good performance, it suffered from a lack of software due to its use of the Zilog Z8000 processor and custom operating system, PCOS.
To alleviate a lack of applications, Olivetti sold a CP/M emulator for US$300 and distributed certain CP/M software packages (dBase II and SuperCalc) for their computer[1]. Olivetti later introduced the “Alternate Processor Board” (APB 1086), based on an 8 MHz Intel 8086 CPU for compatibility with MS-DOS and CP/M-86.
The Olivetti M20 was not designed for missile guidance, but the M20’s computing power was used in the development of the M20 Short-Range Ballistic Missile. This missile was fitted with both inertial and satellite guidance systems and could be retargeted in flight[2]. Each missile could be targeted independently.
In terms of design, the M20 came with a 12” monochrome or color custom-built monitor[4]. The international version had a grey plastic case, while the Italian version had a brown one[4]. A rare original vintage advertising poster for the Olivetti M20 exists, advertising the M20 typewriter, designed in 1922-1923 by brothers Manlio and Erminio Olivetti.
In conclusion, the Olivetti M20 was a personal computer designed and released by Olivetti in 1982. Although it suffered from a lack of software, it was used in the development of the M20 Short-Range Ballistic Missile. The M20 came with a 12” monochrome or color custom-built monitor and had different case colors for international and Italian versions. A rare original vintage advertising poster for the Olivetti M20 exists, advertising the M20 typewriter.
CPU : |
Zilog Z8001 |
Clock : |
4MHz |
RAM: |
128kB extended to 512kB |
ROM: |
8kB with bootloader and I/O options |
O.S. : |
PCOS, CP/M8000, MS-DOS ( APB 8086 adapter ) |
Display : |
Black and White , Color |
Resolution : |
512×256 pixel |
Text Grid : |
80×25 or 64×16 characters |
Floppy Drive : |
160kB-320kB-640kB and 5″1/4 |
Hard Disk: |
11.5MB Winchester (optional) |
Interfaces : | RS232 e Parallel (Centronics) |
Optional Interfaces |
RS232 and IEEE488 |
Olivetti M20 mounts same cpu as that of a cruise missile .
- Home page
- Technical info
- Repairing
- Photos
- Manuals
- Press
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- Transfer files
- Software
- FAQ
- Hack the M20
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- Site map
Curiosity :
Jack Tramiel , Commodore Founder , declared that he got inspired by Olivetti Machines when he began to develop the commodore business machines.