Difference between revisions of "Microcomputer"
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| − | A '''microcomputer''' is a [[ | + | A '''microcomputer''' is a [[computer]] built around a [[microprocessor]]. Some very early [[personal computer]]s (in the general sense of the term), such as the [[Datapoint 2200]], had [[Central Processing Unit|CPU]]s built out of many [[integrated circuit]]s, but as a result they were too expensive for average people to afford. The advent of the microprocessor changed that, leading to the 'personal computer' (in the sense of 'a small computer which an ordinary person could afford'). |
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| + | The first production microcomputer to be openly available was perhaps the [[MICRAL N]], produced in France, in early 1973 (although it was not really a personal computer, as it was intended for use in [[embedded system|embedded]] roles). The [[Altair 8800]], introduced in January, 1975, may have been the first microcomputer personal computer; the [[Apple II]], unveiled in May, 1977, was the first massively commercially successful microcomputer. | ||
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* Gordon Laing, ''Digital Retro: The Evolution and Design of the Personal Computer'', Sybex, Alameda, 2004 | * Gordon Laing, ''Digital Retro: The Evolution and Design of the Personal Computer'', Sybex, Alameda, 2004 | ||
* Michael Nadeau, ''Collectible Microcomputers'' (Schiffer Book for Collectors), Schiffer, Atglen, 2002 | * Michael Nadeau, ''Collectible Microcomputers'' (Schiffer Book for Collectors), Schiffer, Atglen, 2002 | ||
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| + | ==External links== | ||
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| + | * [https://www.computerhistory.org/revolution/personal-computers/17/297 What Was The First PC?] | ||
| + | * Oliver Strimpel, ''The Early Model Personal Computer Contest'', in [https://archive.computerhistory.org/resources/access/text/2011/12/102659144-05-01-acc.pdf The Computer Museum Report, Volume 17, Fall 1986] | ||
[[Category: Computer Basics]] | [[Category: Computer Basics]] | ||
[[Category: Personal Computers]] | [[Category: Personal Computers]] | ||
Latest revision as of 13:46, 27 April 2025
A microcomputer is a computer built around a microprocessor. Some very early personal computers (in the general sense of the term), such as the Datapoint 2200, had CPUs built out of many integrated circuits, but as a result they were too expensive for average people to afford. The advent of the microprocessor changed that, leading to the 'personal computer' (in the sense of 'a small computer which an ordinary person could afford').
The first production microcomputer to be openly available was perhaps the MICRAL N, produced in France, in early 1973 (although it was not really a personal computer, as it was intended for use in embedded roles). The Altair 8800, introduced in January, 1975, may have been the first microcomputer personal computer; the Apple II, unveiled in May, 1977, was the first massively commercially successful microcomputer.
Further reading
- Gordon Laing, Digital Retro: The Evolution and Design of the Personal Computer, Sybex, Alameda, 2004
- Michael Nadeau, Collectible Microcomputers (Schiffer Book for Collectors), Schiffer, Atglen, 2002
External links
- What Was The First PC?
- Oliver Strimpel, The Early Model Personal Computer Contest, in The Computer Museum Report, Volume 17, Fall 1986
