Computers & Business Machines

• 

  Apple IIGS Personal Computer

  Description

  The computers in the Apple II family were among the most popular personal computers in the late 1970s and 1980s. The last model and most impressive of the Apple II family was the Apple II GS (GS=graphics + sound). When it was released in September of 1986—Apple's 10th anniversary—at the price of $999 (without a monitor—or $1498 with an RGB monitor), the Apple II GS competed against other computers such as the Commodore Amiga and the Atari ST.

  The Apple II GS used the Western Design Center 65816 16 bit microprocessor, which ran at 2.8 Mhz. It had 256 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 8 MB. There were seven slots to accommodate an expansion of memory. It was the first computer to utilize the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) which linked standard input device such as keyboards, mice, and graphics tablets. This made it possible for Apple to sell a single set of peripherals that both the Apple Computer and later the Macintosh could use. The IIGS display had a 600 X 200 pixel mode with 2-bit palletized cooler and a 320 X 200 pixel mode with a 4-bit palletized color. The Apple II GS could display 256 colors on the screen. Its ProDOS 16 as system software allowed users to handle any number of open files at the same time.

  The IIGS seemed well positioned to capture a large market. However, by the time it was released, Apple was putting its energy into developing the Macintosh and the IIGS suffered from limited marketing. Apple discontinued the line in December 1992.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1986

  maker

  Apple Computer

  ID Number

  1998.0199.01

  catalog number

  1998.0199.01

  accession number

  1998.0199

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Data General-One Portable Computer

  Description

  Data General was primarily a mini-computer company. But in 1984, it introduced the Data General-One (DG-1), a breakthrough personal computer laptop. The Data General One weighed nine pounds, ran MS-DOS, had dual 3 ½" diskettes, 79-key full stroke keyboard, 128 KB to 512 KB of RAM, and a monochrome LCD screen. It ran on a CMOS 80C88 processor. Unlike other "luggable" computers of the era, the DG-1 was light enough to carry on travel, but also powerful enough to emulate a desktop.

  The DG-1 enjoyed only mediocre success. Its 3 ½" diskettes were slightly ahead of their time, and much popular software was not available in 3 ½" format. Adding to the problem, software copyright protection made copying into the 3 ½" format difficult. In addition, the DG-1 base price was relatively high at $2,895, and the real cost tended to be even higher, because users generally needed both more RAM and an external 5 ¼" drive to run disks from their desktop machines.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1984

  maker

  Data General Corporation

  ID Number

  1995.0069.01

  accession number

  1995.0069

  catalog number

  1995.0069.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Apple II Personal Computer

  Description

  In 1976, computer pioneers Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs began selling their Apple I computer in kit form to computer stores. By August of that year, Wozniak started designing an improved version, the Apple II. Wozniak and Jobs demonstrated a prototype in December, and then introduced it to the public in April 1977. The Apple II started the boom in personal computer sales in the late 1970s, and pushed Apple into the lead among personal computer makers.

  The Apple II used a MOS 6502 chip for its central processing unit. It came with 4 KB RAM, but could be extended up to 48 KB RAM. It included a BASIC interpreter and could support graphics and a color monitor. External storage was originally on cassette tape, but later Apple introduced an external floppy disk drive. Among the Apple II's most important features were its 8 expansion slots on the motherboard. These allowed hobbyists to add additional cards made by Apple and many other vendors who quickly sprung up. The boards included floppy disk controllers, SCSI cards, video cards, and CP/M or PASCAL emulator cards.

  In 1979 Software Arts introduced the first computer spreadsheet, Visicalc for the Apple II. This "killer application" was extremely popular and fostered extensive sales of the Apple II.

  The Apple II went through several improvements and upgrades. By 1984, when the Macintosh appeared, over 2 million Apple II computers had been sold.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1977-1987

  date made

  1980

  maker

  Apple Computer

  ID Number

  1990.0167.01.1

  catalog number

  1990.0167.01.1

  accession number

  1990.0167

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  TRS-80 Model 100 Microcomputer

  Description

  The Tandy/Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100 was one of the precursors to the modern laptop. The functions were fairly limited but the size and battery power were well recieved.

  This computer was actually made by Kyocera, now a brand name recognized worldwide as a manufacturer of popular cell phone and PDA hybrids.

  date made

  ca 1983

  user

  Ceruzzi, Paul

  maker

  Tandy Corporation

  ID Number

  1995.0176.01

  accession number

  1995.0176

  catalog number

  1995.0176.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1 Personal Computer

  Description

  In the early 1970s, most personal computers came as hobbyist kits requiring a high level of technical expertise to assemble. Don French, a buyer for the consumer electronics chain Tandy Radio Shack (TRS), believed that Radio Shack should offer an assembled personal computer and hired engineer Steve Leininger to design it. In the summer of 1977, Radio Shack introduced the TRS-80 for $599. This offering included a BASIC language interpreter, four kilobytes of RAM, a Zilog Z80 processor at 1.77 megahertz, a twelve-inch video monitor, a cassette recorder, a power supply, and a cassette tape containing the games Blackjack and Backgammon. While some Tandy executives were skeptical about the success of the PC market, the availability of the TRS-80 on five thousand Radio Shack store shelves helped the Model 1 sell over one hundred thousand units during its first year, which was 50 percent of the total PCs sold in 1978.

  The TRS-80 had its microprocessor inside its keyboard. While you could purchase just the TRS-80 for $400, most opted for the package that included the twelve-inch monitor and cassette recorder for $600. This example of the object includes the TRS-80 Expansion Interface for $299 (the monitor sits on it) that gave the machine an extra thirty-two kilobytes of memory. Also part of the system are two Mini-Disk drives that sold for $499 and a suitcase for carrying all this around.

  One also could purchase such accessories as a TRS-80 Telephone Interface II for $199 that allowed for network communication and printer for $399. Examples of these are in the Smithsonian collections, although they were not received with this specific microcomputer.

  References:

  Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1978 Catalog No. 289, page 166, accessed September 1, 2014, http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/catalogs/1978

  Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1979 Catalog No. 302, pages 79–82, accessed September 1, 2014, http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/catalogs/1979

  “BYTE News,” BYTE, May 1979, 117.

  Peggy A. Kidwell and Paul E. Ceruzzi, Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1994), 96–99.

  date made

  1977-1981

  maker

  Tandy Corporation

  ID Number

  1983.0169.01

  catalog number

  1983.0169.01

  accession number

  1983.0169

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Timex Sinclair 1000 Personal Computer

  Description

  The Timex/Sinclair 1000 was the U.S. version of the Sinclair ZX-81, which was made by Sinclair Research, Ltd. One of the earliest versions of the home computer, the TS-1000 hit stores in 1981. At $99 it was certainly one of the most affordable early machines, and Timex sold over 600,000. Its introduction caused other companies to lower their prices and include more features in their computers in order to compete.

  The size of a book and weighing 20 ounces, the Timex/Sinclair used a television set as a monitor. Data was stored on cassette tape. The processor was a Z80A microchip running at 3.5 MHz, and the ROM was 8 KB (the earliest version had only 1 KB). The computer keyboard was flat and the keys used black characters on a white background. The Timex could be used around the home for such tasks as budget management, checkbook balancing, and entertainment, but the limitations of the machine made tasks rudimentary. Users could also write programs in BASIC. Accessories included a small "adding machine" type printer and a 16 KB RAM drive. Purchasers of it could also buy pre-programmed cassettes, among them BASIC versions of games such as space invaders.

  This particular computer was given to the Smithsonian by Daniel Ross, Vice-President of Computer Products of the Timex Computer Corporation. It was one of a series of TS-1000s donated to science museums across the United States.

  Despite brisk sales, Timex dropped out of the computer market in the spring of 1984.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1981-1984

  maker

  Timex Computer Corporation

  ID Number

  1983.0289.01

  catalog number

  1983.0289.01

  accession number

  1983.0289

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Exidy Sorcerer Personal Computer

  Description

  Exidy, a leading manufacturer of home and arcade video games, introduced its Sorcerer home computer in 1978. The Sorcer used a Z-80 processor that ran at 2.106 MHz and came with 8 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 32 KB. It ran the CP/M operating system. It sold for $898 with 8 KB of RAM, $1150 with 16 KB of RAM, and $1395 with 32 KB of RAM. It also contained 4 K of ROM. Programs were loaded with plug-in ROM cartridges, and the machine came with a standard BASIC cartridge. This was essentially the common Microsoft BASIC already widely used in the CP/M world. But Exidy added a number of one-stroke commands that allowed users to type in common instructions such as PRINT with a single keystroke. Another popular cartridge contained an early version of the word processor Spellbinder. Users could connect the machine to a standard TV, but the company also offered its own Exidy "Video/Disk" monitor for $2,995.

  Judged against its competitors, the Commodore PET and Radio Shack TRS-80, the Sorcerer was comparatively advanced when it appeared. Due to a lack of marketing in the United States, however, it did not sell well there. It did better in Europe and Australia. Exidy took the machine off the market in 1980.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1978-1980

  maker

  Exidy, Inc.

  ID Number

  1993.0546.01

  catalog number

  1993.0546.01

  accession number

  1993.0546

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Apple Macintosh Personal Computer

  Description

  The Apple Macintosh introduced a graphic user interface (GUI) to the Apple line of computers. The idea had originated at Xerox's Palo Alto Research Center in the 1970s, but Xerox was slow to commercialize it. Apple proved far more successful when it introduced the Macintosh in January 1984, with a splashy television advertisement during the Superbowl. The original price was around $2,500.

  Instead of typing out names of programs on command lines, users with a GUI could click "icons," or pictures that represented the programs they wanted to run. They could also execute functions like saving, moving, or deleting files by clicking and dragging the icons around the screen with a pointing device called a mouse. Apple's version of the mouse had a single button, which became an Apple standard. The first Macintosh had only 128K RAM, and users quickly found this insufficient. The Macintosh 512 KB, nicknamed "Fat Mac," was introduced in September 1984. It gave users four times as much memory, and allowed them to keep several major programs open simultaneously. The vertical processor case and 9" monochrome screen were distinguishing features of all the early Macintosh line.

  The Macintosh 512 KB contained a Motorola 68000 microprocessor which ran at 8 MHz. It contained 512 KB of RAM and 64 KB of ROM and initially had a 400 KB Floppy disk drive. Applications included MacWrite, a word processor, and MacPaint, a drawing program that turned the mouse into a paintbrush. Shortly after the 512 KB appeared, Apple also introduced a LaserWriter printer, which enabled desktop publishing for individuals and small businesses. Over time, Apple computers would appeal most strongly to artists and designers, while the IBM/DOS line of computers sold better in business markets.

  After selling hundreds of thousands of units, Apple discontinued the "Mac Classic" line of computers in April 1986.

  Date made

  1984

  maker

  Apple Computer

  ID Number

  1985.0118.01

  catalog number

  1985.0118.01

  accession number

  1985.0118

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Commodore Amiga 500 Personal Computer

  Description

  In 1987, Commodore introduced the Amiga 500, also known as the A500, as an inexpensive version of a 16 bit multimedia home computer. The goal was to provide a machine that would compete successfully against other 16 bit machines, just as the Commodore 64 had outsold many competitive 8 bit computers. The A500 did sell well against the Atari 520ST and was the low end successor of the Amiga 1000.

  The A500 used a Motorola 68000 microprocessor that ran at 7.14 MHz and had 256 KB of ROM and 512 KB of RAM, which was expandable to 9MB. The Amiga 500 used a special system for its RAM configuration. It had 512 KB of Chip RAM, which could be accessed by the sound and video custom chip, and FAST RAM, which could only be accessed only by the CPU.

  The Amiga 500 was followed by the Amiga 500+. It doubled the amount of the A500s Chip RAM to 1 MB. Both versions could be connected to a TV set or to a video monitor. The A500 computers were the best selling in the Amiga series. Besides doing well in the United States, they also were popular in Europe. Many users favored the Amiga because, in addition to being inexpensive, it had excellent graphics and sound capability for a computer of its era.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1987

  maker

  Commodore Business Machines, Inc.

  ID Number

  2001.0186.03

  catalog number

  2001.0186.03

  accession number

  2001.0186

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Pronto Series 16 Personal Computer, Central Processing Unit

  Description

  Pronto Systems, Inc. introduced its Pronto Series 16 computer in 1983. It represented the high end of business computing of its era. The Pronto pioneered innovative design features, including a tilting and swiveling monitor, small foot print, a streamlined and adjustable keyboard, and an expandable cord that allowed the processor to be stored as much as six feet away from the monitor. These features won a 1983 design award from Industrial Design Magazine. The computer offered the first tower system—a design that later became common in the industry.

  Inside, the Pronto 16 was a powerful machine designed for the full range of business applications. It had a 16-bit Intel 80186 microprocessor. It was shipped with MS-DOS 2.0. It had 128 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 1 MB. The standard hard drive was 5.6 MB, and it was removable. The computer had dual 800 KB floppy drives (5 ¼"), dual serial ports, one parallel port, and a high-resolution monochrome monitor. Users could buy a color monitor as an option. Base price was $3,000.

  Over 1,000 systems were sold from 1983 to 1987. The company had to file for bankruptcy when the stock market crashed while the company was in the process of going public through an Initial Public Offering.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1983-1987

  maker

  PRONTO Computers, Inc.

  ID Number

  2001.0255.01

  catalog number

  2001.0255.01

  accession number

  2001.0255

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Commodore LCD Laptop Microcomputer

  Description

  By the mid-1980s, microcomputer manufacturers envisioned small, portable versions of their machines. This prototype for a “lap computer” was developed by Commodore, a leading manufacturer of early microcomputers. The compact instrument was to have a built-in version of the programming language BASIC, 32K of random access memory, and an 80-column by 16-line liquid crystal display (this example has no display). A mark on it reads: PROTOTYPE (/) 6/85 (/) Rev. 7 (/) #5/6 KUNZ. A black cloth carrying case comes with the machine, as does an adaptor (the adaptor is 1992.0439.01.2)

  This prototype was owned by Dr. Daniel W. Kunz, Executive Director for Government Marketing at Commodore. The Commodore LCD was never released, although laptop computers became common.

  References:

  Scott Mace, “Commodore Shows New 128,” Infoworld, January 28, 1985, p. 19.

  Accession file.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1985

  maker

  Commodore Business Machines, Inc.

  ID Number

  1992.0439.01.1

  catalog number

  1992.0439.01.1

  accession number

  1992.0439

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Kaypro 2000 Microcomputer

  Description

  The Kaypro 2000 was the company’s first MS-DOS/IBM compatible microcomputer and their only laptop. Previous Kaypro devices were CP/M based and the maker was one of a few to offer hardware and software together at one price. The complete application software package included MS-DOS, WordStar, Mailmerge, CalcStar (spreadsheet), InfoStar+ (database), MS GW-BASIC, and Tutors and Lessons.

  This laptop unit has a black brushed-aluminum case with beveled sides and is surrounded by a ridged black rubber guard. A gap in the guard on the left side permits access to an asynchronous serial port. In the back, an integral carrying handle is built into the guard. On the bottom are two RJ11 telephone jacks and a one-hundred pin connector (covered with a plastic shield) for use with Kaypro 2000 accessories. An integral battery provided about four hours of use. The basic model had 256Kb of memory but could be upgraded to 768Kb.

  Power came on when the cover was raised. To open the cover, latches on each side were released simultaneously and the front of the case raised. The computer automatically searched for the start-up diskette in the internal drive, a 720Kb 3.5 inch diskette drive located on the right side behind the keyboard. The drive had a top mounted latch and when released the drive popped up for inserting disks. The user had approximately 35 seconds to insert a diskette before a reminder tone sounded. Within a few minutes, if no keystroke or diskette was detected, the laptop shut down automatically.

  The high resolution LCD screen had two positions controlled by the lid release button at the bottom right of the screen. The screen displayed 80 columns and 25 lines of data. The lid release button was also used to close the laptop.

  The removable keyboard connected to the unit by a coiled cord. Feet on the back edges of the keyboard allowed it to be elevated. The Kaypro 2000 was designed to be controlled entirely from the keyboard which is configured with a row of function keys along the top, a typewriter-style keyboard in the center, and an area for cursor control keys to the right.

  The base unit was an accessory for the Kaypro 2000 and provided the user with greatly expanded storage space and the ability to add options such as a color graphics card. This unit contained a 10Mb hard drive, a 5 ¼ inch floppy disk drive, two serial ports, and two expansion slots. When in use, the laptop was placed on top of the base and communicated via the one-hundred pin connector.

  The donor purchased this microcomputer in 1985 and used it when attending the US Air Force Academy and for several years of active duty service. While at the academy, he earned money typing papers for classmates.

  References:

  obsoletecomputermuseum.org/k2000 [last accessed 8/8/2017]

  “Kaypro Released An MS-DOS Laptop,” InfoWorld, March 3, 1980, pgs. 42-43.

  Accession file: 2017.0161

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  2017.0161.01

  ca 1980

  maker

  Kaypro Corporation

  ID Number

  2017.0161.01

  accession number

  2017.0161

  catalog number

  2017.0161.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Corona Microcomputer Model PPC400

  Description

  This microcomputer has a 10Mb hard drive and 512Mb of memory and used DOS version 2.0. The donor carried this portable computer to job sites and used it to store performance improvement data and to print charts and graphs.

  The Corona microcomputer model # PPC-400 was introduced in 1983. Corona Data Systems Inc. built some of the earliest IBM PC compatible computers. PPC stood for portable pc and came with a built in carrying handle on the back. A carrying case with shoulder strap was also available. The base model, weighing 28 lbs., used an 8088 CPU, had 256mb of RAM, one 5 ¼ floppy disk drive, four expansion slots, integral 9-inch monochrome display screen, standard keyboard, RS-232C serial port and a parallel port. The display screen had 16 x16 pixel characters and super-resolution 640x325 pixel graphics – nearly twice the resolution of IBM PC models at that time. The retail price in 1983 was $2,395.

  Corona Data Systems Inc. built and sold IBM compatible PCs under their name as well as under the names Olivetti, Sperry Univac, and Phillips.

  See related objects 2017.3041.01-.03

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  ca 1984

  maker

  Corona Data Systems, Inc

  ID Number

  2017.0086.01

  accession number

  2017.0086

  catalog number

  2017.0086.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Texas Instruments Model 99/4A Personal Computer

  Description

  When the TI-99/4a was introduced in 1981, Texas Instruments claimed it was both "a major breakthrough in computer technology," and, probably more important, the "lowest priced, 16-bit computer available." It cost only $525. The TI 99/4a was a redesign of the TI-99/4 system, which had been a market failure and was discontinued. The new machine sold well, but by August 1982, TI was falling behind its competitors, especially Commodore. So it began offering a $100 rebate on the TI-99/4a. It quickly became the best-selling home computer in America, controlling, by the end of 1982, approximately 35% of the market--150,000 machines a month.

  In February 1983, TI cut the price to $150, and then in June 1983, it offered a plastic version of the TI-99/4a for less than $100. But now it had gone too far. It was selling computers for less than cost, resulting in a second quarter loss of $100 million.

  The TI-99/4a operated on a TI TMS99000 at 3 MHz and included 16 KB of RAM and 26 KB of ROM. The computer included a RS-232 interface card and a 32K memory expansion card as well as a Data Storage cassette. Texas Instruments controlled the development of software for the machine and offered only around 300 titles. These did not include many of the most popular programs of the time.

  Initially, the only way to expand the machine was to use a port on the right side of the console. Peripherals could extend out several feet. To remedy the situation TI released a more convenient Peripheral Expansion Box (PEB) and, surprisingly, sold 250,000 units at $1,475.00 each--far more than the cost of the computer.

  Eventually Texas Instruments sold over 2.5 million units of the TI-99/4A. However the company decided that computers were not a promising business and dropped out of the PC market in 1984.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1981-1984

  maker

  Texas Instruments

  ID Number

  1990.0494.01

  catalog number

  1990.0494.01

  accession number

  1990.0494

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Visual Commuter Computer

  Description

  This portable microcomputer, named Commuter, has an off-white case with a fixed black handle. To raise the lid, latches on each side of the case are released simultaneously. Inside the lid, the 80 x 16 liquid crystal display (LCD) plugs in via a RJ11 cable to a connector just above the keyboard. The keyboard has 83 keys with a numeric pad to the right and a 10 function key pad to the left. Behind the keyboard, built into the case are two 360K 5¼” floppy disk drives. Above the keyboard on the left is the Commuter logo. A handwritten sticker on the outside rear of the computer notes that the memory was upgraded to 512K, the maximum amount allowed. The LCD display could be removed entirely and replaced by a larger external monitor for office or home use.

  The IBM compatible unit uses the MS-DOS 2.1 operating system and an Intel 8088 processor. Although it has no internal expansion slots, it has 6 ports on the rear for cables that would connect to other devises. These ports include: 63 pin expansion, 24 pin asynchronous, 25 pin asynchronous/synchronous, parallel printer, RGB monochrome video (for an external monitor), and a composite video (for a color monitor).

  Visual Computer Incorporated introduced the “Commuter” model in November 1983. Advertised as “Portable, IBM Compatible, Powerful, Affordable,” it weighed 16 pounds and sold for $1995. Visual ran ads in PC Magazine, Computerworld, and the American Bar Association Journal appealing to business executives who needed a computer when they traveled--the Commuter was a briefcase-sized portable computer with a handle.

  The objects in accession 2017.0321, non-accessions 2017.3153 and 2018.3076 are related.

  References:

  PC Magazine, April 17, 1984. Advertisement pages 110-111.

  Computerworld, June 11, 1984. Advertisement pages 68-69.

  American Bar Association Journal, September 1984, Volume 70. Advertisement pages 22-23.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1983

  ID Number

  2017.0321.01

  accession number

  2017.0321

  catalog number

  2017.0321.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  WorkSlate Microcomputer

  Description

  In 1983 Convergent Technologies, Inc., introduced this light weight portable personal computer. Advertised as “an information processing tool designed to meet business needs,” it sold with an integrated set of three business applications – memo pad, phone list, and calendar. At least eight other proprietary software worksheets were available.

  Power sources included AC power, or a NiCad battery pack, or four AA batteries. Two “button” type batteries (Union Carbide #186, made in USA) maintained the contents of the memory for about 7 days without other power sources connected. To conserve power, the WorkSlate automatically shut off after five minutes of non-use.

  The computer display screen is a liquid crystal display (LCD), approximately 6”w x 3”h. It displayed forty-six characters across and fourteen rows down.

  The sixty keys of the keyboard were color coded to indicate their purpose. Yellow represented principal operations such as backspace, cancel, on/off, and Do It. (The Do It key performs execute/enter functions). White identified the letters, numbers, and main punctuation marks. Keys marked in green were used in conjunction with the green “Special” key to access extended operations and characters.

  The microcassette player/recorder used 1½” h x 2½ w tape cassettes to load software worksheets, store data, and record phone messages.

  The computer included communication connections. Connected to a phone with standard RJ11 cable, it could be used as a speaker phone. Using the phone list application, it could auto-dial numbers. Using a microcassette, it could function as an answering machine. The Comm Port, when linked to the WorkSlate, provided the means to connect with other WorkSlate devices to send or receive worksheets, with printers, or link to a modem to access an electronic information service. According to the reference guide, by subscribing to an electronic information service, you could “receive data on almost any subject imaginable”.

  The objects in accession 2016.0253 and non-accession 2016.3134 are related.

  date made

  1983

  maker

  Convergent Technologies, Inc.

  ID Number

  2016.0253.01

  accession number

  2016.0253

  catalog number

  2016.0253.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  IBM PCjr Personal Computer

  Description

  After the success of the IBM's business PC, IBM attempted to capture the home market with the IBM PCjr. The PCjr system was compact, low cost, and designed for applications related to learning, entertainment, and personal productivity.

  The computer had an Intel 8088 microprocessor that ran at 4.77 MHz–faster than most systems on the market at the time. It 64 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 256 KB and later to 720 KB with third party add-ons. It featured an internal 5 1/4" floppy drive and a wireless keyboard. King's Quest, a popular Adventure game of the 1980s, debuted on the PCjr.

  Despite a flashy debut and a strong technology core, the PCjr flopped in the market. Consumers were not as attracted by the IBM name as business had been. Price was a major factor. The PCjr cost about the same as the Coleco Adam, but for the price, the Adam included two tape drives, a printer, and software. The PCJr was twice as expensive as the Commodore 64. With the exception of the Apple II, it was possible to purchase a complete system (computer, disk drive, and printer) from almost any of IBM's competitors for less money. However, criticism of the system focused on the "chiclet" keyboard. Similar to that of a pocket calculator, the small keys were cheap and difficult to use for touch typing. IBM later replaced this with a wireless conventional-sized keyboard. But it could only be used two or three feet away from the machine and drained batteries quickly.

  Announced in November 1983 and available in March 1984, IBM sold the PCJr for $669 with 64 KB RAM, and $1,269 for 128 KB RAM. The more expensive system also included a floppy-disk drive. IBM discontinued the PCjr in March of 1985 after selling only approximately 270,000 units.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1983

  maker

  IBM

  ID Number

  2002.0090.01

  catalog number

  2002.0090.01

  accession number

  2002.0090

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Columbia Data Products MPC1600 Microcomputer

  Description

  The MPC1600 (Multi-Personal Computer) is a microcomputer, made by Columbia Data Products, Inc., in 1983. The company stated that a Multi-Personal Computer was easily transportable and “capable of fulfilling all your personal needs from word processing to business applications”. The standard MPC was sold with two 5 1/4” floppy disk drives, a 16-bit processor, 128Kb RAM, 2 RS-232 serial ports, a Centronics parallel printer port, a Winchester Controller interface, a keyboard interface, and 8 IBM-PC compatible expansion slots. The MPC could be upgraded by replacing a 5 1/4” floppy drive with a 10Mb Winchester hard drive. The consumer had a choice of operating systems -- MS-DOS, CP/M-86, or MP/M-86.

  This microcomputer has an off-white case, two 5 1/4” floppy disk drives, two RS-232 serial ports, a Centronics parallel printer port, and a keyboard connector. The keyboard has the basic typewriter keys (alphabet, numbers, punctuation), and escape, control and alternate keys, a numeric keypad to the right, and a double row of 10 functions keys on the left. It supports either a monochrome or color monitor.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  date made

  1983

  maker

  Columbia Data Products, Inc.

  ID Number

  2016.0272.01

  accession number

  2016.0272

  catalog number

  2016.0272.01

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

• 

  Commodore Plus/4 Personal Computer

  Description

  Commodore International announced the Commodore Plus/4 in January 1984 as the Commodore 264. It was a more powerful sequel to the highly successful Commodore 64. The original concept was to sell the 264 in one of several different configurations. The consumer would select the type of application software they wanted to build in their computer, and the dealer would install the appropriate ROM chip. By the summer of 1984 this concept was abandoned. The name was changed to Plus/4, the computer was sold at the cost of $299, and all applications were added at the factory.

  The Plus/4 was billed as the: "productivity computer with software built in." The Plus/4 has a MOS processor which ran at 1.76 MHz. It contained 64 KB of RAM and 64 KB of ROM. The Plus/4 had a built in MOS Technology 6551 UART chip which allowed the Plus/4 to use high speed modems without additional software. The computer included Commodore BASIC 3.5 and such software applications as a word processor, spreadsheet, database, and graphing. Inclusion of these four applications led to the computer being called the "Plus/4."

  The machine was discontinued in 1985 when it failed to achieve the company's sales goals.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1984-1985

  maker

  Commodore Business Machines, Inc.

  ID Number

  2000.0232.01

  catalog number

  2000.0232.01

  accession number

  2000.0232

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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  Timex Sinclair 2068 Personal Computer

  Description

  Introduced in 1983 at a cost of $199.95, the Timex-Sinclair 2068 (TS 2068) was the fourth and last Sinclair personal computer sold in the US market. It followed the ZX-81 (marketed by Sinclair Research through an American branch), TS 1000, and TS 1500. It’s design also drew on Sinclair’s ZX Spectrum (the Spectrum was not marketed in the U.S.).

  The TS 2068 used a Z80 processor that ran at 3.58 MHz. Its memory included 48 KB of RAM and 24 KB of ROM. A cassette recorder was used for external storage. Like the TS 1000, the 2068 included a BASIC interpreter to run programs. Additional functions had been added to handle more complex graphic and sound commands. The TS 2068 included a sound chip and speaker at the bottom of the computer and had a range of 10 octaves and 130 semitones directly programmable from BASIC. Users could buy a TS 2040 printer that was attached to an expansion port.

  The TS 2068 was well equipped for playing games and, with the use of an appropriate cartridge, could be used with most software designed for the ZX Spectrum. The computer was generally used for entertainment, educational, and programming tutorials.

  Location

  Currently not on view

  Date made

  1980s

  maker

  Timex Computer Corporation

  ID Number

  2000.0205.01

  catalog number

  2000.0205.01

  accession number

  2000.0205

  Data Source

  National Museum of American History

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