Altair

Altair 8800 one of eWeek's top 5 vintage computers.

Oso posted this message in April 2005:

MITS Altair's 8800-The January 1975 issue of Popular Electronics heralded the arrival of the Altair 8800, a DIY kit based on Intel's third-generation microprocessor, the 8080.

It signaled to the general public that it was possible for them to own their own computer, and is widely credited with starting the PC revolution.

("And motivating Bill Gates to start Microsoft," says Klein.)

"Back then, computers were still these big machines that were unreachable, they were behind glass walls in universities or corporations, and only the high priests could get access to them," Ismail said.

"So to actually be able to have your own computer that you could control and even be able to put on your desk was pretty spectacular."

Adds Damer, "I think it is the media and emotional connection."

He suggests that Robert Cringley's 1996 PBS Special "Triumph of the Nerds: The Rise of Accidental Empires" popularized the computer.

The going rate for the Altair 8800 is anywhere from $1,500 to $3,000.

Though with so many produced, says Ismail, the value is slightly inflated. _______________________________________________ reuse mailing list