1977: A Madman Turns 40: 2017- Day 40

Today in A Madman Turns 40 history, Atari releases the My First Computer keyboard. The idea was that Atari could release educational games that required a 'QWERTY' keyboard. While the toy lasts on shelves for a few years- the idea is a colossal bust (and yet not as bad as a failure as the ET game released in 1981.)

    At $90 bucks, the device, if plugged into an Atari 2600 hundred could also turned your TV into a computer. It could hold anywhere between 8-32K of RAM. Cheaper than most computers on the market, ( in today's dollars, it would cost about $250) but alas, kids wanted games that were fun and if people were going to buy a computer, they were going to get the uber-trendy Apple which had just hit store shelves a month prior. 

     Proof that in 40 years of computer and video game upgrades people want to be entertained instead of educated! But let's face it folks, the video games that are the most fun are the ones that can do both!!!

   Until Tomorrow...