Brilliantly nostalgic..
What fond memories I have of this, my first computer. Got one in 1984 on the cheap from Dixons (£80 I think). Problem was that none of my mates had one, so couldn't swap games in the playground. With the lack of software available from WHSmith, Laskys etc., plus lack of funds, it meant I *had* to learn to program so I could create my own entertainment.
The Oric-1 manual is an amazing - takes you from PRINT "Hello" through to 6502 op-code in an appendix! I learnt programming with this manual as well as listings in magazines. I was hooked on programming and computing in general and wanted to do this as a career at the age of 13.
The sound effects BASIC commands were a great way to demonstrate the capabilities and ease of use of the machine. Funny thing happened though when I showed my mate PING, ZAP, EXPLODE and SHOOT - he was like 'great let me have a go!'. He proceeded to type in FART. The Oric's syntax error response cracked us up.
The Oric helped make it happen for me. Still have mine (and works), the most important memento I have.
Bless you Oric and all who sailed in her!
Biting the hand that feeds IT
