- July 22
- Tangerine Computer Systems announces the Oric-1 microcomputer. [2608.15]
- July 29
- In Tokyo, Japan, Fujitsu announces the development of 100-nanosecond 64 kbit DRAM chips that are 15 percent smaller than current 64 kbit chips. [1051.D3]
- (month unknown)
- Dan Silva and others leave Xerox, to form Electronic Arts. [448.27]
- Electronic Arts is founded. [241.75]
- August 3
- Texas Instruments issues a US$100 rebate on the TI 99/4A, effectively reducing the retail price to US$199. The rebate is effective from September 1 until next January 31. [713.267] [1062.D4]
- August
- Sinclair Research reports that it has shipped 500,000 ZX81 personal computers in over 30 countries. [624.170]
- IBM ships the 200,000th IBM PC. [447.458] [930.72] (800,000 [782.11])
- Microsoft releases the Multiplan spreadsheet software for the Apple II, Osborne I, and IBM PC. Initial name was Electronic Paper. [346.263] [1149.222] [1701.138]
- Hercules Computer Technology announces the Hercules Graphics Card for the IBM PC, with monochrome graphics at 720×348 resolution. Price is US$499. [117] [120] (1983 [910.344])
- Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP75C portable computer. It features a rechargeable battery pack, 16K RAM, 65 key keyboard, 1 line by 32 character LCD display, magnetic card reader, 48K ROM including BASIC interpreter, text editor, and scheduler. Size is is 11.1 x 6 x 1.1 inches; weight is 26 ounces; price is US$995. [624.184] [885.178] [1083.D4]
- Sid Meier delivers the completed Hellcat Ace game to Bill Steedy. The MicroProse company is born. [1068.8]
- September 7
- Victory Computer Systems is incorporated. [862.268]
- In Federal District Court in San Francisco, Judge William Schwarzer awards Micropro International and Digital Research US$250,000 plus expenses from Data Equipment for copyright infringement. [1082.D5]
- September
- C. Itoh Electronics signs a long-term agreement to supply dot-matrix printers to Apple Computer. [1086.D5]
- September 15
- Texas Instruments and IBM enter a joint agreement for Texas Instruments to produce chips for cards for networking office machines with computers. (This will become IBM’s Token Ring LAN.) [1087.D5]
- September
- David Morse and Jay Miner found Amiga Corporation. [1352.D1]
- The Microfloppy Industry Committee proposes a 3 1/2-inch hard cartridge disk standard to the ANSI X3B8 committee on microfloppies. [885.168]
- Iomega begins production of the Alpha 10, a 10 MB 8-inch floppy-disk drive using Bernoulli technology. [444.78]
- On-Line Systems changes its name to Sierra On-Line. [353.362]
- Commodore Business Machines begins shipping the Commodore 64. Suggested retail price is US$595. (Over 20 million are produced in its lifetime, the highest number for any single personal computer to at least October 1999.) [713.238,268] [1280]
- At Microsoft, James Towne apponts Scott Oki as director of international operations. [1299.210]
- (month unknown)
- Victor Business Products releases the Victor 9000 microcomputer. It features 128 kB RAM, two 612 kB disk drives, two serial ports, two parallel ports, 800×400 green high resolution video, speaker/amplifier, sound digitizer, 5 MHz 8088 processor, CP/M-86 or MS-DOS, for US$5000. [445.216]
- At Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, freshmen in science and systems planning (management) are required to buy Atari 800 computers. [912.164]
- Apple Computer sues Franklin Computer for copyright infringement of the operating system in the Apple II. [982.D5]
- October
- The Japan Data Show is held. [885.251]
- In Japan, Toshiba introduces the Pasopia 16 (T300 in the United States). It features an 8088 processor, optional 8087 math coprocessor, 192 kB RAM, 4 kB ROM, MS-DOS, 320 kB 5.25-inch floppy, and up to 640×560 graphics. [447.113] [885.256]
- In Japan, Sharp introduces the Sharp X1 microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 64 kB RAM, 4 kB video RAM, cassette-tape recorder, printer interface, dual joystick interface, sound synthesizer, 80×25 text, and dual 5.25-inch floppy drives. [447.118] [885.256]
- In Japan, Sanyo introduces the MBC-55 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8088 microprocessor, 160 kB 5.25-inch floppy drive, 64 kB RAM, optional Intel 8087 math coprocessor, and choice of CP/M-86, Concurrent CP/M-86, or MS-DOS. [447.114] [885.256]
- In Japan, Hitachi introduces the BASIC Master 16000 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8088 microprocessor, MS-DOS, 320 kB RAM, 640×400 graphics, and two 320 kB 5.25-inch floppy drives. [447.114] [885.256]
- In Japan, Matsushita introduces the National Mybrain 3000 microcomputer. It features an 8088 processor, 96 kB RAM, 32 kB video RAM, 640×400 graphics, choice of 3-inch, 5.25-inch, and 8-inch floppy drives, and operates MS-DOS and CP/M-86. [447.110] [885.256]
- Dr. Karel Marha, of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, warns that pulsed electric and magnetic fields in display monitors could be harmful. [558.140]
- IBM begins marketing Microsoft Multiplan for the IBM PC. [346.109]
- November 4
- Compaq Computer introduces the Compaq Portable PC, compatible with the IBM PC. It features 4.77 MHz 8088, 128 kB RAM, 9-inch monochrome monitor, one 320 kB 5.25-inch disk drive. Price is US$2995; weight is 28 pounds. It cost Compaq US$1 million to create an IBM-compatible ROM BIOS that did not violate IBM’s copyright. The computer is expected to be availble in early 1983. [1] [108] [117] [346.263] [618.171] [1165.D5] [1256.141] [1298.188]
- November 8
- A New York Federal Court judge issues a temporary injunction against Commodore International, preventing the company from making and selling joysticks that are immitations of Atari joysticks. [1166.D4]
- November 15
- Atari signs an agreement with Nintendo for the world-wide license of Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Junior video games for Atari home computers. [1187.D5]
- November 16
- Apple Computer’ Steve Jobs writes to the president of McIntosh Laboratory seeking worldwide release for name “Macintosh” for use in computer industry. Lawyers for the company deny the request. [2605.87]
- November
- Money magazine features a picture of Microsoft chairman Bill Gates on its cover. [1149.231] [1299.250]
- The Canadian Computer Show is held, in Toronto, Ontario. [615.177]
- At the Canadian Computer Show, Dynalogic again demonstrates its Hyperion portable computer. [615.177]
- Drivetec announces the Drivetec 320 Superminifloppy, offering 3.33 MB unformatted capacity on a 5.25-inch drive. [444.80]
- Corporate head-hunter Gerry Rocke, of Heidrick & Struggles, calls Pepsi-Cola president John Sculley, asking him to take the position of chief executive of Apple Computer. [745.57]
- Satellite Software International introduces the WordPerfect word processing program for the IBM PC. [330.108] (October [502.49])
- The COMDEX trade show is held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over 1000 companies and over 50,000 people. [862.268] [1149.229] [1303.37] [1662.D2]
- At the COMDEX show, Franklin Computer shows off a prototype of the Franklin Ace 1200, an Apple II compatible. [529.196]
- At the COMDEX show, Visicorp announces the VisiOn graphical user interface for the IBM PC. It is the first graphical windowing environment that can run multiple applications on MS-DOS. Price is US$299. Code-name of the product was Quasar. [346.176] [477.158] [909.228,236] [1149.251] [1299.219] [1303.37]
- At the COMDEX show, Lotus Development announces the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet program for the IBM PC. Price is US$495. [41] [346.111] [1149.229] [1303.37] (October [9])
- At the COMDEX show, Dynalogic demonstrates a dozen Hyperion portable computers. [615.177]
- At the COMDEX show, Victory Computer Systems announces the Victory Spirit series of computers, using Intel 80186 processors and Digital Research’s operating systems. [862.268]
- (month unknown)
- Mitsubishi introduces the Multi 16 microcomputer. It features an 8088 processor, 128 kB RAM, 640×400 graphics, 300 kB 5.25-inch floppy, and CP/M-86. [447.112]
- Sord introduces the M-343 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8086 microprocessor, Intel 8087 math coprocessor, Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 640×400 graphics, dual floppy drives, and support of various operating systems. [447.116]
- NEC introduces the NEC PC-9800. It features an Intel 8086 microprocessor, 128 kB RAM, 96 kB ROM with NBASIC-86, 640×400 graphics, various floppy drives, and MS-DOS or CP/M-86. [447.113]
- NEC introduces the Advanced Personal Computer (N5200 in Japan). It features a 5 MHz NEC PD8086 microprocessor, single or dual 1.2 MB 8-inch disk drives, 128 kB RAM, monochrome or color 12-inch monitor, 80×25 text, 640×475 graphics, and supports CP/M-86 or MS-DOS. [447.113] (1983 [461.280])
- NEC introduces the PC-2001 Hand-Held Computer. It features an 8-bit 4 MHz CMOS uPD7907 microprocessor, 36 kB ROM, 16 kB RAM, serial port, and 40×2 character LCD screen. [447.125]
- Sanyo introduces the PHC-8000 handheld computer. It features a NSC-800 CMOS microprocessor, 24 kB ROM, 4 kB RAM, one-line LCD screen, optional I/O unit PHC-8010 allows connection to video monitor and microcassette recorder and adds 14 kB ROM and 22 kB RAM. [447.125]
- Toshiba introduces the Pasopia Mini. It features an 8-bit CMOS microprocessor, 4 kB RAM, 20 kB ROM including 16 kB BASIC, and a one-line LCD screen. [447.125]
- Hitachi introduces the PT-1 Personal Terminal. It features MS-DOS, 720×520 graphics, and two 1 MB 8-inch floppy drives. [447.114]
- Anritsu introduces the Anritsu Packet II microcomputer. It features a Motorola 68000 microprocessor, two 150 kB 5.25-inch floppy drives, and 256 kB RAM. [447.116]
- Matsushita introduces the National JR-200 personal computer. It features a 6802 microprocessor, 16 kB ROM, and 32 kB RAM. [447.124]
- Matsushita introduces the National JR-100 personal computer. It features a 6802 microprocessor, 8 kB ROM, and 16 kB RAM. [447.124]
- Matsushita introduces the Tomy 16-bit Graphics Computer. It features a TMS 9995 microprocessor. [447.124]
- Sord introduces the M5 microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 8 kB ROM, 4 kB RAM, and 16 kB graphics RAM. [447.124]
- Sanyo introduces the PHC-25 microcomputer. It features 24 kB ROM with BASIC, and 22 kB RAM. [447.124]
- AI Electronics introduces the AI-M16 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8086 microprocessor, Intel 8089 I/O processor, optional Intel 8087 math coprocessor, 256 kB RAM, and support for various operating systems. [447.116]
- Seiko introduces the 9500 Super Personal Computer. It features an Intel 8086 microprocessor, Intel 8087 math coprocessor, two Intel 8088 microprocessors for I/O and communications control, 256 kB RAM, RMX/86 operating system, and 512×480 color graphics. [447.118]
- Seiko introduces the 8600 microcomputer, using an Intel 8086 microprocessor. [447.118]
- Aval introduces the AVC-777J2 portable microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 64 kB RAM, 16 kB video RAM, CP/M 2.2, 5-inch monochrome monitor, two 600 kB 5.25-inch floppy drives, 5-inch thermal printer, and parallel/serial ports. It weighs 27.5 pounds. [447.122]
- Aval introduces the AVC-666 microcomputer. It is like the AVC-777J2, but without a monitor and printer. [447.122]
- Sord introduces the M23P portable microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 128 kB RAM, 80×8 LCD display, dual 290 kB 3.5-inch disk drives, and weighs 19.8 pounds. [447.12]]
- Wang Laboratories ships the Wang Professional Computer. It features an 8 MHz 8086 processor, 128 kB RAM expandable to 640 kB, five expansion slots, parallel and serial ports, 101-key keyboard, 12-inch green monochrome monitor with 800×300 graphics or 80×24 text, one 5.25-inch 360 kB floppy drive, MS-DOS 2, and MS-BASIC. Price is US$3265. Price with 10 MB hard drive: US$5650. [910.362]
- December 8
- Warner Communications announces that fourth quarter earnings would be poor, due to sluggish sales in its Atari video games division. [972.F6] [976.D8]
- December 13
- Atari introduces the 1200XL home computer, with 64 kB RAM, and 256 color capability. Price: US$900-1000. [300.46] [1305.D4] [1322.D4] [1343.236]
- December
- Steve Jobs and Mike Markkula meet with Pepsi-Cola president John Sculley, discussing the possibility of him heading Apple Computer. Sculley says he is not interested. [745.62] [930.77]
- Tabor demonstrates a 3.25-inch floppy disk drive, the Model TC500 Drivette. Unformatted capacity is up to 500 kB on a single side. [444.72]
- Amdek releases the Amdisk-3 Micro-Floppy-disk Cartridge system. It houses two 3-inch floppy drives designed by Hitachi/Matsushita/Maxell. Price is US$800, without a controller card. [444.70]
- Satellite Software International ships WordPerfect 2.0 for DOS, for US$500. [330.108] (v2.2 in October [502.49])
- The IEEE Standards Board passes the IEEE 696/S-100 bus standard. [443.278]
- Digital Research announces CP/M+. [443.431]
- Atari issues a US$55 rebate on the Atari 400, dropping its retail price to under US$200. [713.268]
- Texas Instruments extends its US$100 rebate on the TI 99/4A to April 1983. [713.268]
- Japan installed base of business computers: NEC 34.3%, Sord 9.6%, Fujitsu 11.8%, Sharp 7.8%. [885.256]
- December 22
- IBM announces it will acquire 12 percent of Intel shares for US$250 million. [606.60] [1016.D2] [1020.D10] [1663.A1]
- December
- Time magazine (January 3 issue) hails the computer as its “Machine of the Year”. [9] [46] [346.264] [606.28] [930.11] [1149.230] [1306.A14] [1664.D12]
- Barry Deutsch of Steinhilber, Deutsch, and Gard designs the logo for Electronic Arts (a cube, sphere, and tetrahedron). [241.76]
- December 31
- Shipments of Commodore VIC-20 computers to date: 750,000. [444.494] (600,000 [447.458])
- Shipments of Timex Timex/Sinclair 1000 computers to date: 600,000. [444.494] (750,000 [447.458]) (500,000 [977.38])
- Shipments of Texas Instruments TI 99/4 computers to date: 575,000. [444.494] (600,000 [447.458])
- December (month)
- Shipments of Apple Computer Apple II computers during the month: 45,000. [1017.D6]
- Shipments of Apple Computer Apple III computers during the month: 5,000. [1017.D6]
- Year
- During the year, Computerland opened over 100 new stores, bringing the total to 318 stores worldwide. [1702.167]
- Apple Computer becomes the first personal computer company to reach US$1 billion in annual sales. [46] [1559] [1886.65] [2605.64]
- Shipments of IBM PC computers during the year: 150,000-180,000. [444.493] [997.D5] [1702.157]
- Shipments of Tandy computers during the year: 215,000. [997.D5]
- Sales of home computers in the United States: 2 million. [977.29] [1018.D2] (1 million [1])
- Shipments of personal computers worldwide during the year: 2.8 million, worth US$5 billion. [1559] (1.4 million [1]) (4.8 million [1256.7])
- Unit sales of home computers during the year: 2.2 million. [1189.D1]
- Market share of personal computers for the year: IBM 18.8%. [902.136]
- Sales of Apple II computers for the year: 300,000 units, totaling US$600 million revenue. 750,000 Apple II systems have been shipped in total, of which 45,000 are Apple II Plus computers. [444.493] [930.11] [862.494] [997.D5] (600,000 Apple II systems to date [444.494])
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