Previously I covered the Zodiac Astrology computer by Coleco. This product, created by multinational toy manufacturing company Mattel, is called the “Horoscope Computer” and came out the same year as Coleco’s Zodiac, 1979. The Horoscope Computer is both similar to and different than the Coleco computer. In this post, I’ll give a demonstration of Mattel’s Horoscope Computer and compare it with Coleco’s Zodiac at the end.
Via the Handheld computer museum:
The Horoscope Computer was released in 1979. It was designed to predict your horoscope and compatibility with others based on astrological predictions. An interesting note is that according to the instructions on the back, this game is only accurate from June 1, 1979, to December 31, 1987.
From the box:
Micro-computer “forecasts” your personal future or matches compatibility between 2 people.
How to use the Horoscope Computer
Find a PDF of the full instructions here.
The Horoscope Computer has two modes: Compatibility and Personal
The three-way switch can be either off, in compatibility mode, or in personal mode.
How to use Personal mode:
Step 1: Move the switch to the P position.
Step 2: Enter today’s date or a given date in the future that you would like to ask a question about. The dates range from June 1st, 1979 to December 31st, 1987 so you can’t really use this device to get a reading for a current or future date. This is most likely due to the constraints of the electronics and memory capabilities at the time. I’ll pick today’s date (March 16) in 1982 (40 years ago)
Step 3: After you enter the date, it’s time to enter the sign of the asker. Since I’m asking for Adabot who was (allegedly) born on April 28th, I will reference the Sun Sign sheet and see that he is a Taurus. So I press the Taurus button.
Step 4: Ask a question! The question must be related to one of the 8 aspects
- Love
- Career
- Travel
- Money
- Friends
- Spirit
- Family
- Creative
Adabot is curious about the state of his friendship with Blinka, so I’ll hit the friends button:
—— Fantastic ——
Now he’s curious about a potential love life with Blinka:
—— Friends ——
It wasn’t meant to be!
Lastly, he’s curious about how he should use his money:
—— Save it ——
Compatibility Mode
In this mode, you can see how compatible you may be with anyone in your various life relationships.
Step 1: Enter today’s date or a future date
Step 2: Enter your sign, then the sign of the person you are checking for compatibility
Step 3: Press the button for the aspect of life you would like to check for compatibility.
That’s it!
Here’s the patent for the Horoscope Computer from the USPTO if you’re curious:
Comparisons between Mattel’s Horoscope Computer and Coleco’s Zodiac Astrology Computer
Both Mattel’s Horoscope computer and Coleco’s Zodiac Astrology Computer were released in 1979 and while having a similar look and feel to the product, these computers had drastically different capabilities. The Coleco’s Zodiac was detailed, complex, and comprehensive, whereas Mattel’s was simple and intuitive but limited. Here are some similarities and differences between each of these computers:
Similarities:
- Products have creative and circular form factors.
- Products have music playing (basic piezo buzzers) as the horoscope is being calculated.
- Products have advice modes about various aspects of life (called “houses” in Coleco’s manual).
- Products give disclaimers about the astrological info that is given. Mattel’s manual states “FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY”. Coleco’s manual states “ASTROLOGY GUIDES — IT DOES NOT RULE!”
- Products have an 8 character alphanumeric display.
Differences:
- Coleco’s Zodiac is a lot more complicated to use, includes a 100-page guide, and has 3 modes. Mattel’s is 12 pages, has 2 modes, and is much simpler to use.
- Mattel’s computer has some wonky button pressing issues. I noticed it was hard to press a key on the computer without 2 or 3 of the same number being accidentally repeated. Coleco’s is easier to press buttons and I had no issues there.
- Mattel’s computer is more geared towards assessing the various aspects of life for the user as well as compatibility with two people. Whereas Coleco’s is more geared towards a more complete horoscope and detailed astrological information.
It’s safe to say that Zodiac would be best for the astrology nerd to geek out on and pour through the manual, whereas the Horoscope computer would be best for someone without much astrology knowledge or as a great introduction to astrology.
These computers are super fun and it’s rare to see electronics like this nowadays. I say bring back the age astrology electronics!
