According the indications on the computer itself, it's a MSX1 prototype with only 32kB RAM like the Philips VG-8010, but with only 1 cartridge slot (access for a second cartridge slot near the printer connector seems to be blocked).
The Code/Kana key seems to be at a strange location (below the Return key) .....maybe it explains why it remained a prototype.
No MSX logo btw (but a MSX indication on an EPROM)
Is it possible that this came out of nowhere? A Japanese prototype mysteriously appearing in Luxembourg?
The bottom plastic seems a copy of the Panasonic FS-A1, in the Ebay photos it's still possible to see the RTC battery slot shape.
@ mars2000you: Do you know more than the Ebay auction text states?
Because I don't know where you see "a MSX indication on the EPROM" and there are 4 RAM chips that look identical (can't really tell because photo): That would mean 16Kb for video and 16Kb for Z80.
And how do you know that the blank key is the Kana key?
@ mars2000you: Do you know more than the Ebay auction text states?
Because I don't know where you see "a MSX indication on the EPROM" and there are 4 RAM chips that look identical (can't really tell because photo): That would mean 16Kb for video and 16Kb for Z80.
And how do you know that the blank key is the Kana key?
In the Ebay text: "The eprom has handwritten msx on it. I immediately applied a sticker on the eprom once I noticed that it was not protected against light."
There are no 'dead' key on Japanese computers, so this 'blank' key can only be the Kana key.
You are probably right for the RAM, but it seems so surprizing for a Japanese company. It was more a Philips style of advertisement to not distinct RAM and VRAM, but when we know almost all Philips MSX computers were manufactured in Japan, it's not so surprizing. Maybe the real reason why it was not released?
It looks so weird...
An handmade prototype with a case made by painted over plastic/resin, and such case is molded/copied/reworked from another machine.
PCB has parts with datecodes from '83, '84 and '88 and barely the minimum silkscreen text. No revision #, manufacturer markings etc.
An MSX1 machine coming to market in late '88 seems strange (but not impossible), but if it's a cheap machine (low RAM, only 1 Joystick port, only 1 slot), why no RF modulator? Why no MSX label on case?
I think Nikko PC-70100 was not aimed at the Japanese market because "made in Japan" is usually wrote for foreign countries. It is an MSX1 made with a T7937A MSX engine that is recent, and 16kB RAM only to make a very cheap computer. Most MSXs made with this chip were sold outside of Japan. The key below the Return key has probably another function than Kana (even if it is probably located to the same place in the matrice).
The Nikko PC-70100 is may a prototype from Nikko Computer Systems PTE Ltd. It was a company that had been operating throughout Asia since 1980. I haven't found any proof of what I'm saying though.
