【Oki Electric Industry】 Lettermate85

Oki Electric Industry announced the Lettermate85 in 1983. It was designed to reduce the size and price of Japanese language word processors, and employed the kana-kanji conversion system. It had enhanced functionality -- with features such as graphing and calculation capabilities -- as well as faster display/print processing, and communications capabilities (optional). From the standpoint of mechanisms and construction, it was designed for ergonomic ease-of-use, with features like a CRT tilt mechanism, and a keyboard slope sculpture construction.

The main features of this machine were as follows.

(1) 2-way input

This unit provided two input systems -- the kana-kanji conversion input system using a JIS layout keyboard, and a kanji direct input system using a tablet containing all characters -- so a user could select the method he or she was familiar with. It was also possible to use the kana-kanji conversion input system or romaji-kanji conversion input system.

(2)Speedy display

The unit could display 41 characters x 25 lines, and scrolling and the display of editing results were speeded up by using a character refresh system for increasing the speed of display processing.

(3)High-capacity file storage

The unit was equipped with two 5-inch double-sided double-density FDDs as document memory devices. One floppy disk could hold approximately 100 A4 pages of data, and security functions were also provided -- such as password setting for each file.

(4)High-quality printing output and versatile printing capabilities

Minchotai characters with a 24x24 dot configuration were used for printing characters, and printing speed was a fast 40 characters/second. A parallel printing function was also provided for outputting one document file while editing another. The unit also enabled vertical printing, horizontal printing, dual page printing, page layout printing and inset printing.

(5)Ergonomic and easy-to-use

The JIS layout keyboard was designed to reduce user fatigue. It had a slope sculpture construction, which made it possible to switch the inclination of the entire keyboard between 2 levels. The CRT had a tilt mechanism.