Noval 760
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Founder | Gremlin Industries |
| Defunct | 1979 |
| Fate | Dissolved after Sega acquisition of Gremlin Industries |
| Parent | Gremlin Industries |
The Noval 760—also referred to as the Noval 760P—was a home computer introduced in 1977 by Noval, Inc., a division of Gremlin Industries. Its standout feature was the integration of the computer within a wooden office desk, where the desktop hinged open to expose the system components. Initially powered by an Intel 8080A processor and equipped with 16 KB of RAM, a built-in editor and assembler stored in ROM, along with a data tape drive, the Noval 760 faced commercial challenges and was discontinued in 1979 after Sega acquired Gremlin.
Development and specifications
Noval, Inc. emerged as a subsidiary of Gremlin Industries—a company originally successful in coin-operated games and expanding into video arcade markets—to venture into the nascent microcomputer sector. The development team behind the Noval 760 included key personnel such as James D. Nash (senior systems programmer), Agoston "Ago" Kiss (vice president and general manager), George Kiss (software manager), Lane Hauck (director of research and development), and Terry Sorenson (chief engineer).
The Noval 760 featured an innovative design that embedded the computer within a rosewood office desk. The desktop was split lengthwise, with a monolithic assembly at the rear half consisting of a 12-inch monitor, data tape drive, integrated 32-column printer, and control panel. This rear section could pivot upward for operation and fold down to restore the desk’s regular surface. Additionally, the keyboard was housed in a central drawer that slid out for use.
Originally outfitted with an Intel 8080A CPU and 16 KB of RAM—expandable up to 32 KB—the system incorporated a built-in line editor and assembler housed in ROM alongside 3 KB of programmable ROM. It utilized a proprietary Phi-Deck digital data tape drive managed through software. The graphics output supported color on an external display at a resolution of 256×224 pixels, while audio was produced via an internal sound chip connected to a speaker embedded within the desk.
On its rear panel, eight input/output ports allowed connection to various peripherals. Optional accessories included an EPROM programmer, paper tape reader, filmstrip viewer, dual handheld keyboards designed for two-player gaming, and BASIC provided either on PROM or cassette tape.
Sharing hardware similarities with Gremlin’s arcade machines enabled the Noval 760 to run their arcade titles up until 1978. Noval also collaborated with the San Diego Unified School District to create educational software targeting students in grades two through six. Although announced in June 1977, widespread availability was delayed until mid-1978 due to difficulties sourcing appropriate desks; however, the core hardware and software had been completed by early 1977. A hardware update in early 1978 replaced the Intel 8080A with a Zilog Z80 processor and expanded standard RAM to the full capacity of 32 KB.
Sales and reception
The Noval 760 made its debut at the first-ever Midwest Personal Computing Show in June 1977. Peter Gorner of the Chicago Tribune described it as the most visually impressive computer at the event, likening it to "a finely crafted stereo console." Michael Nadeau, formerly of Byte magazine, commended its aesthetic design but criticized its underlying concept, forecasting limited commercial success due to its specialized market appeal and restricted upgrade options.
Sales were modest and inconsistent. Besides purchases by San Diego Unified, units were sold to a traffic school located in San Diego. Following Sega’s acquisition of Gremlin Industries, further development of the Noval 760 ceased and Noval was dissolved as a subsidiary. Nevertheless, existing Noval 760 units continued to be used internally at Gremlin as development workstations for several years afterward.
A fully preserved Noval 760 is currently part of the collection at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, California.
External links
- Comprehensive History of Gremlin Industries and the Noval 760 authored by Keith Smith on The Golden Age Arcade Historian, including conversations with principal creators of the Noval 760