The Rise of Personal Computers

By AdrianDanteDay

  • Intel 4004

    Intel 4004
    The Intel 4004, released in 1971, was the world's first commercially available microprocessor. With 2,300 transistors, it was a 4-bit CPU capable of executing around 60,000 instructions per second. Its introduction marked a major advancement in computing, allowing multiple functions to be integrated into a single chip, laying the groundwork for modern microprocessors and computing power.

  • Xerox Parc

    Xerox Parc
    The Xerox Alto, launched in 1973, was a pioneering computer known for introducing the graphical user interface (GUI), Ethernet networking, and the WYSIWYG text editor. Developed at Xerox's PARC, it featured a mouse-driven interface and overlapping windows, shaping modern computing despite its commercial failure.

  • Apple II

    Apple II
    The Apple II, introduced in 1977, was a groundbreaking personal computer by Apple Inc. It featured color graphics, a built-in keyboard, and expansion slots, making it popular for both home and business use. Its success established Apple as a major player in the computer industry, and it remains an iconic symbol of the early computing era.

  • Commodore PET

    Commodore PET
    The Commodore PET, launched in 1977, was an early consumer-focused personal computer. Its all-in-one design included a monitor, keyboard, and cassette tape drive for storage. Popular for its affordability and simplicity, it contributed to the rise of personal computing in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

  • Tandy TRS80

    Tandy TRS80
    The TRS-80, released in 1977 by Tandy Corporation, was an early mass-produced personal computer. With its all-in-one design and BASIC programming language, it became popular for home and small business use, contributing to the growth of personal computing in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

  • Commodore VIC-20

    Commodore VIC-20
    The Commodore VIC-20, released in 1980, was an affordable home computer with color graphics and sound. Popular for gaming and education, it featured a built-in BASIC programming language interpreter. Despite its limitations, it sold millions of units, helping to popularize home computing in the early 1980s.

  • Thinkpad 701C

    Thinkpad 701C
    The ThinkPad 701C, launched by IBM in 1995, featured a unique "butterfly" keyboard design, expanding for a full-size typing experience in a compact laptop. With high-resolution display and Intel processors, it became popular among business professionals. Despite subsequent models abandoning this design, the 701C remains iconic for its innovative keyboard.

  • Ardunio

    Ardunio
    Arduino, introduced in 2005, is a microcontroller platform for creating interactive electronic projects. It features input/output pins and a programming language based on Wiring. Widely used by hobbyists and professionals alike, it enables a range of projects, from LED displays to robotics, supported by a vibrant open-source community.

  • Raspberry Pi

    Raspberry Pi
    The Raspberry Pi, launched in 2012, is an affordable single-board computer developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation. It's designed for education and experimentation, offering GPIO pins, HDMI output, and USB ports for connecting peripherals. Running on Linux-based operating systems like Raspbian, it's widely used for various projects and applications, from education to DIY endeavors.