Altair at 50: Remembering the first Personal Computer
a year ago
- #Innovation
- #Vintage Computing
- #Tech History
- The MITS Altair 8800, released in 1975, is considered the first commercially successful personal computer, predating the Apple I, Commodore PET, and TRS-80.
- Developed by MITS, the Altair was initially a mail-order kit priced at $397, requiring self-assembly and operated via toggle switches and blinking lights.
- Featured in the January 1975 issue of Popular Electronics, the Altair exceeded sales expectations, with estimates of 25,000 units sold in total.
- Bill Gates and Paul Allen developed a version of BASIC for the Altair, leading to the formation of Microsoft and marking a significant milestone in personal computing.
- The Altair introduced the S-100 bus, which became a standard in late 70s niche computers, and inspired Steve Wozniak to create the Apple I.
- Despite its short lifespan, the Altair's impact on the personal computing industry was profound, democratizing access to computers for individuals.