1976-1978
We start our history of the home computers at the
end of the 70's. The first home computers were introduced by
Apple, Atari and Commodore.
The two electronic experts Steve Jobs and
Stephen Wozniak worked on their first computer: The Apple I.
Approximately 200 units were produced in their garage. It was - in comparison
to other computers at that time - an easy-to-use home computer. In 1976 the
Apple I was released and one year later the legendary Apple II was introduced
and became one of the most successfull home computers.
Many derivations kept the Apple II spirit alive like the Apple IIe, c, III or
GS.
Another computer legend is
Commodore's first computer, the PET (Personal Electronics
Transactor) 2001. The PET and the Apple I/II created the home computer
market. Before the PET, Commodore had produced calculators but a price war
with Texas Instruments forced Jack Tramiel, founder of Commodore, to stop
the production of calculators. His first problem was to sell his new
computer. The PET was »For the masses not for the classes« so he
had to convice the public that they need the machine. He succeeded: The
PET was a success and many little software producers were founded and made
games and application. RAM was expensive at that time so the PET had only
1 KByte! Programs had to be saved to cassette - the computer was
equipped with an integrated cassette recorder.
Go to the year 1979.
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