The "FIRST PC" and personal timelines (Was: And what were the 80s

From: allisonp_at_world.std.com <(allisonp_at_world.std.com)>
Date: Thu Apr 22 11:50:34 1999

>
> The video display didnt come with all PDP-8/e computers as a standard feature.
> PDP-8/e systems were Minicomputers, typically rack mounted. And yes,
> i realize some cpu units were integrated into small tabletop lab units,
> it still stretches the imagination to refer to a particular gutted down
> configuration of a minicomputer, as a microcomputer.

You've obviously never seen a edusystem. As to gutted down, you're really
misinformed.

> I would think that either a raster graphics capable monitor would
> have to come with the computer, or it would have to use a TV as its
> standard console (with the video display circuitry built-in as standard

Get real. You obviously define microcomputers by the display system.
generally anthing that used a TV was too low res for any test work and
most at best looked poor. Any serious work other than games is nto
considered.

Try an 8E, 12k core, Vt05 termial and a TD8e Dectape running an OS an
languages. ALL ON A DESK TOP. During that timeframe there were smaller
machiness all predating the PC concept.

Allison
Received on Thu Apr 22 1999 - 11:50:34 BST