Description

The Laser MSX2 is one of the rarest MSX computers, only three units are known to exist:

• one with a QWERTY keyboard: an announcement can be found on page 221 of December 1985 number of Australian Personal Computer magazine and was apparently sold by a local store in Australia.

• one with a QWERTZ keyboard: this version for the German market was reviewed in Mein Home Computer 1986-03.

• one with an AZERTY keyboard: it was announced in a news bulletin in Standard MSX 3 of October/November 1985 on page 18, and offered in a competition on page 49, then advertised in MSX Magazine 3 (France) of November/December 1985 on page 45.

In Micros MSX 5 (new name of "Standard MSX") on page 14 they mention that the Laser MSX2 will not come to market and that the system they had, has been given to the winner of the competition.

Initially, the Video Technology company from Hong Kong wanted to release a MSX1, but in 1986 it was better to come out with a MSX2 computer. It was announced for 2690 FF but was never released for unknown reasons.

The design of this computer is similar to the previously non-MSX computers released by this company, such as the Laser 500 or 700. The specifications are identical to the Philips VG-8235 or NMS 8245, but without any disk drive.

Pictures

Laser MSX2 with QWERTY keyboard

Laser MSX2 with QWERTZ keyboard

Laser MSX2 with AZERTY keyboard

Laser 500 (non-MSX) with AZERTY keyboard

Specifications

The Laser MSX2 is a MSX2 with probably a MSX-Engine S3527 from Yamaha.

Connections

• RF output
• RGB output
• Data Recorder connector
• Centronics compatible Parallel port for a printer
• 2 general connectors (Joysticks, Mice, Paddle controllers, etc)
• 2 cartridge slots