- April 18
- Osborne Computer introduces The Osborne Executive portable computer. It features 4 MHz Z80A CPU, 128 kB RAM, 7-inch amber monitor, 24×80 text, detachable keyboard, two 204 kB 5.25-inch disk drives, two serial and one parallel ports, CP/M Plus, UCSD p-System, Wordstar, Supercalc, MBASIC, CBASIC, Personal Pearl. Weighing 28 pounds, it is priced at US$2495. [862.40] [1319.D4]
- Osborne Computer introduces The Osborne Executive II portable computer. It is like the Executive, and adds a coprocessor board with a 4 MHz 8088 running MS-DOS or CP/M-86, and 630×200 graphics. Price is US$3195. [862.40]
- April 21
- Mattel Electronics introduces the Aquarius computer, with 4 kB RAM, 8 kB ROM, Z80A processor, 40×24 text output to a TV, 80×72 block graphics, in 16 colors. Price is US$160. [529.49] [1320.D3] (June 27 [2608.15])
- April 26
- Tandy introduces the TRS-80 Model 4 computer. It features 4 MHz Zilog Z80A processor, 16 kB RAM, cassette interface, keyboard, 80×24 text 12-inch monochrome monitor, for US$1000. A US$2000 system comes with 64 kB RAM and two 180 kB 5.25-inch floppy drives. [368.148] [461.292] [1321.D6]
- May
- The National Computer Conference (NCC) is held in Anaheim, California. [529.188] [902.144] [1299.235]
- At the National Computer Conference, Jerry Pournelle (popular writer for Byte magazine) gives his predictions about computer technology in the year 1988: RAM would be 30 cents/kB, all microcomputers would have at least 1 MB RAM, 10 MB hard drives would be common, operating systems would be in ROM chips, hard drive space would cost under 5 cents/kB, letter quality printers would cost US$1000-1500, combination laser printer/ copy machines would be US$2000, full business-quality computers would cost US$1000, and all televisions would include computers. [885.233]
- Fujitsu shows off first production of 256 kbit memory chips. [529.189]
- Sony Electronics announces the 3.5-inch floppy disk and drive, double-sided, double-density, holding up to 1 MB. [529.190]
- Microsoft France opens its first office, in Paris, France. [346.117]
- Sord introduces the M5 Fun Computer, and the M5 MultiComputer. Both feature a Zilog Z80 microprocessor, 8 kB ROM, 4 kB RAM, keyboard, serial/parallel/cassette ports, and two game controllers, for US$200. [529.190]
- Sinclair Research cuts the price of the ZX Spectrum with 16kB RAM to under 100 pounds in the UK, first color microcomputer at that price level. [2635.33]
- Timex drops the suggested retail price of the ZX81 to US$49. [713.269]
- Atari offers a US$100 rebate on the Atari 800, bringing its retail price to below US$400. [713.269]
- Sord announces the M23 computer, featuring a Z80 processor, 128 kB RAM, two disk drives, 640×256 8-color graphics, for US$2200. [529.190]
- Toshiba announces a portable version of the T100 computer, with 64 kB RAM, 40×8 LCD screen, modem, and briefcase, for US$1100. [529.190]
- Toshiba announces the T300 computer, featuring a 16-bit processor, 650×500 8-color graphics, 192 kB RAM, 640 kB floppy disk drives, seven expansion slots, and IBM PC software compatibility, for US$2500. [529.190]
- Sharp introduces the PC-5000 computer, featuring a 16-bit Intel 8088 processor, 128 kB RAM, 80×8 LCD, 640×80 graphics, and weighing 11 pounds. [529.190]
- Anderson Jacobson introduces the AJ Passport portable computer, with 256 kB RAM, one or two floppy drives, serial/parallel ports, 300-baud modem, 640×250 graphics, and 7-inch amber display. [529.192]
- Computer Devices shows the Dot computer, with 16-bit Intel 8088 processor, 128 kB RAM, Sony 3.5-inch floppy drive, integrated 9-inch green or amber monitor, 1056×254 graphics, and two serial ports, for US$3000. [529.192]
- Microsoft introduces its first mouse, “The Microsoft Mouse”, including card and software, for US$200. [3] [123] [389.28] (April [346.264]) (June [1299.222])
- Gavilan introduces the Gavilan Mobile Computer, a full-function portable computer. It features a 16-bit Intel 8088, 80 kB RAM, 3-inch microfloppy drive, 66×8 LCD screen, touch pad, keyboard, 300-baud modem, and I/O ports. [336.24] [529.194]
- Commodore International ships the Commodore Executive 64. It features 64 KB RAM, detachable keyboard, 5-inch color monitor, 170 KB floppy drive, for US$1000. [529.192]
- Apple Computer is listed at position 411 in the Fortune 500 list, up from 598 in 1982, the fastest ascent in business history. [2605.64]
- May 23
- The Japan Microcomputer Show is held at Ryutsu Center in Tokyo. [885.251]
- May
- At the Japan Microcomputer Show, Logitec introduces the AT-1000 portable computer. It features a 6301 processor, 32 kB ROM, and 32 kB RAM. It acts as a multitasking multiprocessor host, with plug-in slots for AT-100 units. [885.253]
- At the Japan Microcomputer Show, Seiko shows Seikomap, with MAP-1010 processor (Z80A compatible), 24 kB ROM, 32 kB RAM, television interface, color graphics, built-in cassette drive, and keyboard, for about US$417. [885.253]
- At the Japan Microcomputer Show, Casio shows the Casio FP 200 handheld microcomputer. It features 8-line x 20 character display, 8 kB RAM, 32 kB ROM, for about US$300. [885.251]
- At the Japan Microcomputer Show, Canon shows the Canon X-07 Handy Personal Computer. It features an NSC 800 microprocessor (Z80 compatible), 20 kB ROM with BASIC, 4-line by 20-character display, just over one pound weight, for about US$445. [885.251]
- At the Japan Microcomputer Show, National shows the National JR-800, featuring 63A01V processor (compatible with Motorola 6801), 8-line by 32-character LCD, 16 kB RAM, 20 kB ROM with BASIC, 1551 bytes of video RAM, five-octave music, 1 5/8 pounds weight, 10 1/4 x 5 5/8 x 1 3/8 inches, and runs for 25 hours on batteries. [885.252]
- May 30
- The first Babbage’s electronics store opens in Dallas, Texas. The store is named after Charles Babbage, 19th century British mathematician. [2597.49]
- (month unknown)
- Texas Instruments drops plans to market the TI 99/2. [528.14] [865.8]
- June 1
- Atari announces a consolidation of its home computer and video game divisions into one division. [1322.D4]
- June 3
- MGM/UA Entertainment releases the film WarGames to theaters in the USA. The main character uses his IMSAI 8080 computer at his house to connect to a mainframe computer by using his phone. [2293]
- June 5
- The Summer Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is held, in Chicago, Illinois, over several days. [530.200] [885.230] [1190.D1] [1213.75] [1322.D4]
- At the CES, Coleco Industries announces the Coleco Adam computer. It features Zilog Z80A processor, 80 kB RAM (64 kB user RAM, 16 kB video RAM), 3 sound channels, 16-color graphics, ColecoVision game cartridge slot, 4 MC6801 microprocessors controlling operation of peripherals, SmartWriter word processor in ROM, full size 75-key keyboard, CP/M compatibility, BASIC compatible with Applesoft BASIC, three expansion slots, Adam net jack, two joysticks with keypads, 256×192 graphics and 36×24 text on TV display, 256-512 kB tape-cartridge device, Buck Rogers – The Planet of Zoom game, and 10-15 cps 80-column daisy wheel printer. Price is US$599. [9] [336.4] [364.43] [202.210] [363.54] [364.43] [530.200] [885.230] [990.D1] [1190.D1] [1213.75] (US$750 [949.208]) (1984 [176.146])
- At the Consumer Electronics Show, Atari introduces the Atari 600 XL. It features 1.79 MHz 6502-C processor, 16 kB RAM, 24 kB ROM, 320×192 graphics and 40×24 text on TV screen. Price is US$199. An optional CP/M module is available. Optional package bundle called The Writing System for US$600 includes AtariWriter word processor on a cartridge, and 20-cps letter-quality printer. [885.230] [989.F29] [1190.D5] [1213.76]
- At the Consumer Electronics Show, Atari introduces the Atari 800 XL, with 64 kB RAM. [885.230] [989.F29] [1190.D5]
- At the Consumer Electronics Show, Atari introduces the Atari 1450 XL, with built-in 300 bps modem. [885.231] [1190.D5]
- At the Consumer Electronics Show, Atari introduces the Atari 1450 XLD, with built-in 300 bps modem and disk drive. [885.231] [1190.D5]
- June
- At the Consumer Electronics Show, Atari introduces the 30 cps Atari 1027 letter-quality daisy-wheel printer for US$350. [885.230]
- Coleco Industries introduces the Family Computer Module for the ColecoVision video game system, turning it into an Adam computer. Price is US$400. [1213.77]
- Tomy shows the Tomy Tutor microcomputer at the Summer CES. It features 16-color 256×192 graphics, 32×24 text, 16 kB RAM, 32 kB ROM, three sound channels, for US$150. It uses a TMS 9905 processor. [530.202] (US$130 [885.231])
- June 6
- At the Consumer Electronics Show, Texas Instruments introduces the TI 99/8 home computer. It features 80 kB RAM; price is expected to be under US$500. [1190.D1]
- June 7
- At the Summer CES, Commodore International shows the Executive 64, formerly the Commodore SX-100. It has a 6-inch color monitor and is priced at US$995. [529.192] [804.17] [885.232] [1325.D4]
- June
- Spectra Video shows the SV-328 at the Summer CES. It is like the SV-318, but with a full-stroke keyboard, cursor keys, and 32 kB RAM. [530.202] (Spectravideo, 80 kB RAM [885.231])
- Atari shows The Graduate at the Summer CES. It is an add-on computer for the Atari 2600 VCS game unit. It features 8 kB RAM, keyboard, 16 kB ROM with BASIC, and various I/O interfaces. [530.202]
- At the CES, Video Technology introduces the Laser 3000, an Apple II workalike microcomputer. It features 2 MHz 6502 processor, 24 kB ROM, 64 kB RAM, 81-key keyboard, optional Z80A cartridge for CP/M, 80-column text display, 560×192 graphics, four sound channels, and I/O interfaces. [530.202] [885.231]
- Rabbit Computer shows the Rabbit RX83 at the Summer CES. It features a Z80A processor, 2 kB RAM, keyboard, and 256×192 resolution 8-color graphics. [530.202]
- At the Summer CES, Commodore shows the B128/256-80, formerly called P128. It has a monochrome monitor with 80-column display. [804.17]
- June 10
- Texas Instruments announces that poor sales of TI 99/4A computers, software, and peripherals would result in a second quarter loss of US$100 million. (The news drives the company’s stock price down almost US$50.) [1191.D4] [1988.126]
- June 15
- Microsoft, Spectravideo, and 14 Japanese computer companies announce the MSX (MicroSoft eXtended BASIC) specifications for low-end, 8-bit home computers systems. The standard consists of: Zilog Z80, TI TMS9918A video processor, General Instruments AY-8910 sound processor, NEC cassette interface chip, Atari joystick interface, 64 kB RAM, Microsoft’s 32 kB ROM-based extended BASIC. [530.24] [865.7] [1299.228] [1326.D1] [1794.110]
- June 16
- Microsoft president James Towne leaves the company. [1149.245] [1299.236]
- June
- Olivetti introduces the M20 microcomputer in Canada, the first desktop personal computer introduced in the country. [1565]
- Video Technology shows a prototype Laser 2001 computer, compatible with ColecoVision and Atari VCS cartridges. It features 16 kB ROM, 64 kB RAM, 256×192 graphics, four channel sound, and I/O interfaces. [530.202]
- Unitronics shows the Sonic, an Apple II workalike microcomputer. It uses a TI video display processor chip, 48 kB RAM, and built-in wafertape drive. [530.204]
- Taiwan Happy Home Computer Company shows the Multi-System microcomputer, compatible with both the Apple II and the IBM PC. [530.204]
- NEC shows the PC-8201 portable computer for the first time in the US. [530.204]
- Casio shows the FP-200 portable, with 20×8 LCD display, 8 kB RAM, and I/O interfaces. [530.204]
- Spectravideo begins shipping the SV-318 and SV-328 microcomputers. [865.7] [1213.15]
- Microsoft quote: “We have a long-term relationship with IBM and have solid plans involving PC-DOS.” [2]
- The one millionth Apple II is made. [46] [75] [346.264] [9] [885.8]
- Apple Computer begins shipping the Lisa computer. [477.159] [930.114] [1299.220] [2605.79]
- Intel quote: “Accessing memory using a segmented architecture holds many advantages over the earlier linear-addressing method.” [2]
- June 17
- Logical International files a trademark infringement suit against Coleco Industries, claiming prior use of the name “Adam” for a computer. [1327.D5]
- June 30
- Texas Instruments terminates 750 jobs in TI 99/4A manufacturing plants. [1191.D4]
- (month unknown)
- Digital Research introduces enhanced CP/M-86 for the IBM PC. It includes a printer spooler, and improved graphics. It can use up to 16 64 kB banks of memory, files can be time and date stamped, passwords can be assigned to a whole disk or individual files. Price is US$350. [529.198] [1213.142]
- Radio Shack introduces the PC-3 pocket computer. It features 24-character LCD, 1.4 kB RAM, 4 ounce weight, for US$99.95. [885.7]
- Sharp introduces the PC-1250 pocket computer, for US$110. It measures 5 5/16 x 2 1/2 x 3/8 inches. [885.7]
- Texas Instruments introduces the Compact Computer 40 (CC-40). It uses the 8-bit TMS 70C20 processor, 6 kB RAM, 34 kB ROM with BASIC, and 31×1 LCD display. It runs on four AA batteries, lasting up to 200 hours. [529.37]
- Data General announces the Desktop Generation Model 10 multi-user microcomputer. It features Intel 8086 and Data General Microeclipse processors, and runs CP/M-86, MS-DOS, or Data General’s RDOS or AOS. [885.7]
- Access Matrix releases the Access Portable Computer. It measures 16.125 x 10 x 10 13/16 inches, and weighs 33 pounds. It has a 7-inch amber monitor displying 80×25 text. Other features include dual 5.25-inch 184 kB disk drives, dot-matrix printer, 64 kB RAM, detachable keyboard, 4 MHz Z80A processor, CP/M 2.2, and lots of software. Price is US$2495. [885.188]
- Zilog announces the Z80000, a 32-bit microprocessor, with 256 byte on-chip cache, instruction pipelining, memory management, 10-25 MHz speed, for US$150 in 1000 unit quantities. [885.8]
- Olympia USA introduces the People computer, with CP/M-86, MS-DOS, and two disk drives, for US$3595. [885.8]
- Semi-Tech Micro (STM) Electronics introduces the Pied Piper Communicator 1 portable computer. It features a Zilog Z80 processor, CP/M 2.2, 64 kB RAM, 5.25-inch 784 kB disk drive, six software packages, and 80×24 text on monitor or TV, for US$1299. It measures 20.2 x 10.8 x 4 inches, and weighs 12 pounds. [530.30] [885.208]
- Convergent Technologies introduces the Convergent Workslate portable computer. It features a Hitachi 1.228 MHz 6303 processor (a CMOS version of the Motorola 6800), 16 kB RAM, 64 kB ROM, 8 1/2 x 11 x 1 inch size, 60 key button keyboard, 3 pound weight, microcassette drive, 300 bps modem, 16-line by 46-character LCD display, for about US$895. It is powered by four AA size batteries. [885.7] [902.52]
- Non-Linear Systems introduces the Kaypro 4, like the Kaypro II but with 380 kB double-sided disk drives. Price is US$1995. [885.216]
- Non-Linear Systems introduces the Kaypro 10 computer. It features a 4 MHz Z80 processor, 64 kB RAM, built-in 9-inch green monitor, 80×25 text, 160×100 pixels, 10 MB hard disk, 390 kB floppy drive, parallel, serial, and light pen ports, CP/M 2.2, Wordstar 3.3, Perfect writer 1.2, PerfectCalc 1.1, Perfect Filer, Microplan, MBASIC, CBASIC, S-BASIC. Price is US$2795. Weight is 31 pounds. [885.216] [950.208]
- Atari cancels production of the Atari 1200XL, due to compatibility and other problems. [529.220]
- Hewlett-Packard begins design work on Precision Architecture. [160]
- Seymour Rubenstein resigns from MicroPro International. [548.433]
- Wayne Green, founder of many early microcomputer magazines, sells his magazines and business interests for US$60 million. [713.95]
- IBM and Microsoft begin co-developing OS/2. [38]
- The Ada programming language becomes an ANSI standard. [912.131]
- Software Systems introduces the MultiMate word processing software. [1298.188]
- Corona Data Systems introduces The Corona Portable PC. It features 8088 processor, 128 kB RAM, 9-inch green 80×25 text 640×325 graphics monitor, 320 kB floppy drive, MS-DOS, BASIC, MultiMate, for US$2545. It measures 19.8 x 18.8 x 9.6 inches and weighs 28 pounds. [885.228]
- Corona Data Systems introduces The Corona PC. It features 5 MHz 8088 processor, 128 kB RAM, 12-inch green 80×25 text 640×325 graphics monitor, keyboard, one 320 kB floppy drive, MS-DOS v1.25, Microsoft GW-BASIC, Multimate, PC-Tutor, for US$2595. [885.228] [902]
- LNW Research introduces the LNW-80 Model II computer. It features Z80 processor, 96 kB RAM, 16 kB ROM, color display, 480×192 pixel monochrome or 160×192 8-color graphics, supports most software for TRS-80 Model 1, III, and 4, and CP/M. It includes DOS PLUS, CP/M 2.2, LNW BASIC, Microsoft BASIC, Electric Pencil, and more. Price is US$1195. [950]
- George Tate, of Ashton-Tate, buys all rights to dBase II from Wayne Ratliff, and hires him as head of development for dBase III. [618.262]
- Iomega introduces the Bernoulli Box storage device. [656.37]
- Digital Communications Associates introduces the Crosstalk XVI communications program for PCs. [688.234]
- Bob Wallace leaves Microsoft to found Quicksoft. [1229.R10]
- Syquest introduces its SyQuest storage cartridge system to the PC market. [612.209]
- Microcom introduces the Era 2 modem, with Microcom Networking Protocol (MNP) to help eliminate data transmission errors. [712.184] [1089.234]
- Novell introduces the NetWare network operating system for the IBM PC. [620.123] [682.154]
- Virus researcher Fred Cohen coins the term “computer virus”. [1260.193]
- Philips and Sony develop the CD-ROM, as an extension of audio CD technology. [489.67] [814.40] [1299.335] (1985 [610.166])
- Digital Research releases its first version of the GEM graphical windowing operating system. [618.220]
- Borland International is founded by Philippe Kahn. [102]
- Microsoft marketer Rowland Hanson convinces Bill Gates to change the name of Interface Manager to Windows. [477.164] [1149.252]
- Non-Linear Systems changes its company name to Kaypro Corporation. [885.224]
- In Cambridge, England, Advanced RISC Machines begins designing a 16 bit processor. [1058.134]
- Western Design Center introduces the 65C816 processor, a 16-bit extension of the 6502 architecture. [824]
- Sierra On-Line releases the King’s Quest game for the IBM PC. [1474.77] (1984 [351.27])
- Electronic Arts releases the Seven Cities of Gold software for personal computers in the USA. [2229.119]
- Oric Products International releases the ORIC-1 personal computer in the UK. [2287.92]
- The MSX 1 personal computer is released in the UK. [2287.93]
- Bandai releases the Gundam RX-78 personal computer in Japan. [2287.91]
- Sega releases the SC-3000 personal computer. [2287.94]
- Sinclair Research launches the Sinclair Interface 1 for the ZX81. It features two 100-baud network ports, RS 232C serial port, and Sinclair Microdrive port. [2584.10]
- Sinclair Research launches the Sinclair Interface 2 for the ZX81. It features two joystick ports and ROM cartridge slot. Price is 19.95 pounds. [2584.10]
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