Difference between revisions of "Altair 8800"
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It was a [[microcomputer]], built around an [[Intel 8080]] [[microprocessor]]. The early 8800's were unreliable, and had a weak [[power supply]]; the later 8800a was better, but it was only with the 8800b that it became really reliable. It originally came with no [[peripheral]]s, just a [[front panel]]; later, a variety of optional add-on units, including a [[floppy disk]] drive, were made available. | It was a [[microcomputer]], built around an [[Intel 8080]] [[microprocessor]]. The early 8800's were unreliable, and had a weak [[power supply]]; the later 8800a was better, but it was only with the 8800b that it became really reliable. It originally came with no [[peripheral]]s, just a [[front panel]]; later, a variety of optional add-on units, including a [[floppy disk]] drive, were made available. | ||
| − | It is famous for being the machine that got [[Bill Gates]] and [[Paul Allen]] started; MITS did a deal with them to | + | It is famous for being the machine that got [[Bill Gates]] and [[Paul Allen]] started; MITS did a deal with them to write a [[BASIC]] [[interpreter]] for it (Allen was actually hired as a MITS employee). |
| − | The Altair 8800 was implemented as a set of cards ( | + | The Altair 8800 was implemented as a set of cards (a [[Central Processing Unit|CPU]] card, a [[main memory]] card, optional [[serial line]] or [[disk]] [[device controller|controller]] cards, etc) connected by a [[bus]] on a 100-pin [[backplane]]. Both MITS and third-party companies produced cards using this bus; this 100-pin Altair bus led to the standardization of the [[S-100]] bus, which is very similar, but not 100% compatible. |
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** [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/mits/8800/Altair_Computer_Report_1975.pdf MITS Altair Computer Report] | ** [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/mits/8800/Altair_Computer_Report_1975.pdf MITS Altair Computer Report] | ||
** [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/mits/8800/Altair_PriceList_19750401.pdf MITS Altair Price List] | ** [http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/mits/8800/Altair_PriceList_19750401.pdf MITS Altair Price List] | ||
| + | * [https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6495019 MITS Altair 8800 microcomputer] - one from [[Paul Allen]]'s collection at the [[Living Computer Museum|LCM]], includes several images | ||
[[Category: 8-bit Personal Computers]] | [[Category: 8-bit Personal Computers]] | ||
Latest revision as of 19:49, 22 April 2025
The Altair 8800 from MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems) was the first mass-produced personal computer to be openly available. It was introduced in January, 1975, as a kit; later, pre-assembled units were made available.
It was a microcomputer, built around an Intel 8080 microprocessor. The early 8800's were unreliable, and had a weak power supply; the later 8800a was better, but it was only with the 8800b that it became really reliable. It originally came with no peripherals, just a front panel; later, a variety of optional add-on units, including a floppy disk drive, were made available.
It is famous for being the machine that got Bill Gates and Paul Allen started; MITS did a deal with them to write a BASIC interpreter for it (Allen was actually hired as a MITS employee).
The Altair 8800 was implemented as a set of cards (a CPU card, a main memory card, optional serial line or disk controller cards, etc) connected by a bus on a 100-pin backplane. Both MITS and third-party companies produced cards using this bus; this 100-pin Altair bus led to the standardization of the S-100 bus, which is very similar, but not 100% compatible.
External links
- 8800 - documentation at Bitsavers
- MITS Altair 8800 microcomputer - one from Paul Allen's collection at the LCM, includes several images
