micro-history http://micro-history.com Micro-History Blog Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:34:00 +0000 Micro History Episode 4 - Steve Wozniak and the Apple I http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=7 http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=7 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:34:00 +0000
But now I'm at the start of 1976, and a curious new company has formed out of one man's desire to create a computer for himself, and another man's desire to turn that computer into money.

That company not only survived, but today it's the third-largest company in the world, worth over three trillion dollars.

]]> Micro History Episode 3 - Dan Meyer and the SWTP 6800 http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=6 http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=6 Mon, 09 Jun 2025 18:05:38 +0000
This is a great story of a computer and an electronics pioneer who are almost totally unknown today. But Dan Meyer and the humble SWTP 6800 profoundly changed the entire landscape of the personal computing industry. They split the market into two parts: one who craved compatibility, clone hardware options, and the widest possible array of add-on hardware, and the other who valued innovation, simplicity, and elegant design.

No prizes for guessing which two camps these folks evolved into!

]]> Micro History Episode 2 - Bill Millard and IMSAI http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=5 http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=5 Fri, 19 Jul 2024 20:59:45 +0000
Plus, some computer history! The IMSAI was the world's first personal computer clone, a 100% compatible copy of the MITS Altair 8800. It set the stage for other companies to clone the IBM PC later on, which changed the world forever.

Plus plus plus, the first appearance of Gary Kildall and CP/M! But definitely not the last.

Enjoy!

]]> Micro History Episode 1 - The Altair and Ed Roberts http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=4 http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=4 Tue, 04 Jun 2024 21:23:46 +0000
Also, if you're wondering how you can get the REALLY COOL Micro-History t-shirt I'm wearing in the video, hey, just look up, and click the "Store" link on the top menu bar!

]]> Micro History Episode 0 is up! http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=3 http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=3 Mon, 22 Apr 2024 21:11:03 +0000


This video tries to answer the age-old question: what was the FIRST personal computer? I go into a bit of a tangent in trying to define a computer first, and then go through the early history of digital computers, before finally getting around to answering the question. Maybe. You'll have to watch to find out!

Here's a list of computers and their cool technical specs that I cover in this video, as a bonus for those of you reading this on the website:

First Computers



0. Zuse Z3

Year released: 1941
CPU: 2,600 relays
Speed: 5-10 Hz
Memory: 176 bytes (64 x 22-bit words)
Storage: Punched celluloid tape
Power consumed: 4,000 Watts
Weight: 1000 kg
Number made: 1
Cost: $400,000 US (2023)

1. ABC

Year released: 1942
CPU: 600 vacuum tubes
Speed: 60 Hz
Memory: 375 bytes (3000 bits, 30 100-bit binary numbers)
Storage: Paper tape
Power consumed: Unknown
Weight: 320 kg
Number made: 1
Cost: Unknown

2. Colossus
Year released: 1943
CPU: 1600 vacuum tubes
Speed: Massively parallel (equivalent to 1.2 MHz today)
Memory: None
Storage: Paper tape
Power consumed: 8,500 Watts
Number made: 12
Cost: Unknown (secret)

3. ENIAC

Year released: 1945
CPU: 18,000 vacuum tubes
Speed: 5,000 Hz
Memory: None
Storage: Punched cards
Power consumed: 150,000 Watts
Weight: 24,000 kg
Number made: 1
Cost: $ 6.2 million US (2023)

4. Manchester Baby

Year released: 1948
CPU: 550 vacuum tubes
Speed: 50,000 KHz
Memory: 128 bytes (64 x 32-bit words)
Storage: None
Power consumed: 3,500 Watts
Weight: 900 kg
Number made: 1
Cost: Unknown (prototype project)

First Personal computers



0. Simon

Year released: 1950 (instructions)
CPU: About 120 relays
Speed: 0.6 Hz
Memory: 2 bits (ΒΌ byte)
Storage: paper tape
Power consumed: 125 Watts
Weight: 18 kg (not including power supply)
Number made: 400 (plans sold)
Cost: $600 ($7,400 in 2023)

1. Kenbak-1

Year released: 1971
CPU: 132 7400-series TTL chips
Speed: 500 KHz
Memory: 256 bytes
Storage: None
Power consumed: 14 Watts
Weight: About 15 kg
Number made: 51
Cost: $750 ($5,000 in 2023)

2. Micral

Year released: 1973
CPU: Intel 8008 (3500 transistors)
Speed: 500 KHz
Memory: Up to 16 Kb
Storage: paper tape
Power consumed:
Weight: 12 kg
Number made: 500
Cost: $1750 ($11,000 in 2023)

3. Mark 8

Year released: 1974
CPU: Intel 8008 (3500 transistors)
Speed: 500 KHz
Memory: Up to 16 Kb
Storage: Cassette (optional add-on)
Power consumed:
Weight:
Number made: 400
Cost: $500 in parts ($3,000 in 2023)

4. Altair 8800

Year released: 1975
CPU: Intel 8080 (4,500 transistors)
Speed: 2 MHz
Memory: Up to 64k
Storage: Paper tape, Cassette, Floppy Drive (optional add-ons)
Power consumed:
Weight:
Number made: 25,000
Cost: $621 ($3,100 in 2023)

Thanks for watching and/or reading! I'm going to make sure to add more stuff on this blog that didn't quite make it into the videos. So stay tuned! ]]> Welcome to Micro-History http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=2 http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=2 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 22:56:05 +0000 ]]> Micro-History.com is Under Construction! http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=1 http://micro-history.com/rockets-item.lsp?p=1 Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:14:43 +0000

Remember these types of images from the 1990s? Me too.

Stay tuned... Micro-History.com is going live THIS MONTH!
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