Sony began selling the HB-55 in November 1983 as a home computer that was compatible with the MSX architecture standard. Designed for ease of use for beginners without specialized knowledge, the HB-55 could be used just by plugging in ROM cartridges containing pre-written programs. It was priced at \54,800.
The HB-55 had the following features.
- 1. The computer came with easy-to-use, menu-driven software for taking care of such household tasks as managing household schedules, creating address books, and making memos.
- 2. The HB-55 could run MSX software because it was compatible with the MSX architecture standard.
- 3. An ordinary household television set could be used as the computer’s display, eliminating the need for a dedicated color display.
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| CPU | Z80A equivalent |
| Memory | ROM: 32 KB (MSX-BASIC) + 8 KB RAM: 16 KB (main); 16 KB (video) |
| Display resolutions / specifications | Text: max. 40 characters×24 lines Graphics: 256×192 pixels Sprite images: 32 Colors: 16 |
| Sound functions | 8 octaves, three square wave generators, special sound effects |
| Cassette interface | 1200/2400 baud, FSK modulation scheme |
| CRT interfaces | RF output, composite video output |
| Keyboard | ASCII layout (for input of alphanumeric characters and graphical symbols) or Japanese syllabary order (for input of hiragana and katakana characters) |
| Printer interface | 8-bit parallel interface compliant with the Centronics specification |
| Extension slot | I/O bus (50-pin), accepted game and expansion cartridges |
| Joysticks | Connections for two external joysticks |
