History of the Personal Computer

Douglas Engelbart Shows Modern Computer Prototype

Jan 1, 1964

This prototype includes a mouse and graphical user interfacewich marks the evolution of technology that is more accesable to the general public

Intel unveils the Intel 1103

Apr 10, 1970

The first Dynamic Access Memory (DRAM) chip.

Alan Shugart Leads IBM Engineers who Invent Floppy Disk

Jan 1, 1971

Allows data to be shared among computers

Robert Metcalfe, Staff for Xerox, Develops Ethernet

Jan 1, 1973

For connecting multiple computers and other hardware

IBM 5100

Jan 1, 1975

First commercially available portable computer

Apple I

Apr 1, 1976

First computer with a single-circuit board

Radio Shack TRS-80

Jan 1, 1977

For the first time, non-geeks could write programs and make a computer do what they wished.

Apple II

Jan 1, 1977

Offers color graphics and incorporates an audio cassette drive for storage

IBM Acorn

Apr 10, 1981

Uses Microsoft’s MS-DOS operating system

Apple’s Lisa

Apr 10, 1983

First personal computer with a GUI

Microsoft Amiga 1000

Jan 1, 1985

Features advanced audio and video capabilities

Compaq Deskpro 386

Apr 10, 1986

It’s 32-bit architecture provides as speed comparable to mainframes

Wi-Fi

Apr 11, 1999

Becomes part of the computing language and users begin connecting to the Internet without wires

MacBook Pro

Apr 11, 2006

First Intel-based, dual-core mobile computer, as well as an Intel-based iMac

iPad

Apr 11, 2010

Jumpstarts the dormant tablet computer segment