Computers in the 1980s

  • TRS-80 Color Computer

    In 1980, Tandy put out the TRS-80 Color Computer. A personal computer based on a Motorola processor and rooted in Microsoft’s BASIC programming language. The Tandy computer’s features had color graphics and computer games.
  • Hard Disk Drive

    In 1980, Seagate Technology debuted the ST506, which was the first microcomputer hard disk drive. The hard drive could handle up to more than five times that of a floppy disk, all while fitting in the same size space.
  • IBM's Personal Computer

    The first IBM personal computer (or PC) came loaded with the Intel 8088 — a 4.77 MHz microprocessor — as well as Microsoft’s newly announced MS-DOS operating system. IBM’s invention of the personal computer revolutionized the personal computer, the work computer, the home computer, and the history of computers on the whole.
  • Commodore 64

    Commodore 64
    In 1982, Commodore debuted the Commodore 64. With 64K of RAM and 16K of switchable ROM, the Commodore 64 (or C64) went on to sell around 20 million units by 1992.
  • Windows

    Bill Gates along with his company Microsoft announced the launch of Windows and Microsoft Word.
  • CD ROM

    Initially developed by Sony and Phillips to store music, it was eventually used by computer and electronics companies to store information and software.
  • Apple Macintosh

    Apple took the pros and cons from their previous product launch in 1983 of Lisa and turned it into the Apple Macintosh, which was the 1st GUI computer to successfully utilize a mouse.
  • Laser Jet Printer

    Hewlett Packard launched their Laser Jet printer.
  • Nintendo Entertainment System

    Nintendo Entertainment System
    The Nintendo Entertainment System was the first video game console made by Nintendo in the 1980s. With this, the American video game industry was up and running again.