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Lee is born in Philadelphia
Lee Felsenstein was born to Jewish immigrant parents in the "Strawberry Mansion" neighborhood of Philadelphia. His father, Jake, was not only an artist employed at a locomotive plant but also a member of the Communist party, contributing to the family's active engagement in politics. Lee developed an early interest in technology during his formative years. -
Lee attends university
Lee began attending the University of California, Berkeley in 1964 before dropping out to work. However, he eventually returned and went on to graduate from Berkeley with a degree in electrical engineering and computer science in 1972. -
Development of Computer Memory Project
Lee played a pivotal role in developing the Tom Swift Terminal, a computerized remote access system, in the 1960s. His groundbreaking work led to the creation of the Community Memory project in 1973 - which was developed alongside Efrem Lipkin, Mark Szpakowski and others - public computerized bulletin board system in Berkeley. It marked an early instance of community-driven online interaction, foreshadowing the social aspects of the internet. -
Pennywhistle Modem
Felsenstein, troubled by the expensive modems for the Community Memory project, developed a more affordable alternative, giving rise to the Pennywhistle modem. Highlighted on the Popular Electronics cover in 1976, it quickly gained popularity among early enthusiasts in the personal computer hobbyist community. -
Homebrew Computer Club
Felsenstein served as an early member of the Homebrew Computer Club, where he took on the role of moderator, using a blackboard pointer to manage the dynamic open forums. The club became a breeding ground for numerous companies, playing a significant role in propelling the personal computer revolution forward. -
Processor Technology Corporation
Not long after the establishment of the Homebrew Computer Club, Felsenstein became a design consultant for the emerging Processor Technology Corporation. He designed a cost-effective terminal system, the Video Display Module (VDM-1), compatible with the Altair 8800 microcomputer. The VDM-1, connecting to a television, offered a more economical alternative to the "glass teletype" terminals commonly used by hobbyists. -
Development of SOL-20
Subsequently, collaborating with Homebrew colleagues Gordon French and Bob Marsh, Felsenstein contributed to the creation of the SOL-20 computer. Notably, it was among the initial microcomputers to be commercially available with an integrated case and keyboard. The SOL-20 achieved significant success, selling over 10,000 units from 1977 to 1979. -
Osborne Computer Corporation
Established in 1980, the Osborne Computer Corporation was co-founded by Adam Osborne and Lee Felsenstein. Felsenstein played a key role in designing the company's inaugural product, a portable computer. Drawing inspiration from Xerox PARC's NoteTaker computer and powered by the Zilog Z80 microprocessor, the Osborne-1 featured a 5-inch CRT display and had a compact design, fitting conveniently underneath an airplane seat. -
Pivitol success for Osborne Computer Corporation
Bundled with software nearly equivalent in value to its $1,795 price, the Osborne garnered immense success in 1982, selling over 125,000 units. This made it one of the most prosperous CP/M-based computers ever introduced. -
Pioneer of Electronic Fronteir
Felsenstein was named a "Pioneer of the Electronic Frontier" in 1994 by the Electronic Frontier Foundation -
Free Speech Movement Archives
In 1998, Lee established the Free Speech Movement Archives, an internet-based repository documenting the influential movement that profoundly impacted him and numerous individuals during the 1960s. -
Interval Research Corporation
While conducting research at Interval Research Corp., he contributed to the development of various innovations, including a portable multi-channel data logger, a 2D patterned game board, a real-time video processing system, a breath-sensitive 2D sensor, a "Pocket Watch" video display for wearable camcorders, and several others. Unfortunately, the research was terminated by Paul Allen in April 2000. -
Jhai Foundation
In 2003, during his collaboration with the Jhai Foundation in San Francisco, Felsenstein developed an open-source telecommunications and computer system tailored for deployment in distant villages within the developing world using pedal-based energy. -
Tech Museum of Innovation
Lee was made a laureate of the Tech Museum of Innovation in 2003 -
2016 Fellow Award Honoree
Felsenstein was named Fellow of the Computer History Museum in 2016