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

From: Lawrence LeMay <lemay_at_cs.umn.edu>
Date: Thu Apr 22 20:15:21 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.
>

Actually, I almost went ahead and said i didnt think a cromemco with a
Dazzler would qualify. a Terak MIGHT qualify (this is a LSi-11 system
with built in video, and 8" floppy drive). The LSI-11 i'm not so sure
about though..

The Apple ][ would qualify, it came with built-in video.

-Lawrence LeMay
Received on Thu Apr 22 1999 - 20:15:21 BST