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

From: Eric Smith <eric_at_brouhaha.com>
Date: Thu Apr 22 16:19:04 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.
>
> 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
> feature). Sure, there is always going to be some person who manages

OK, so you are trying to figure out what was the earliest microcomputer with
a bitmapped display, that wasn't actually early (since it had to have a
monitor as standard, and other relatively modern features). Seems like
an exercise in futility. Wait a minute, didn't Sellam already point that
out?

By your latest criteria, I guess even an S100 box with a Cromemco Dazzler
can be ruled out. Is there *anything* that meets your criteria before the
Commodore PET? The Apple ][ doesn't, since it didn't come with a monitor.
Received on Thu Apr 22 1999 - 16:19:04 BST