The PDP-8: 1965

Article Abstract:

Digital Equipment Corp's (DEC) PDP-8 scientific minicomputer was introduced in 1965 for $16,000 and is still in production today in highly-modified guise as the DECmate III. The reasonably priced 12-bit system became the computer standard for laboratories and sold over 40,000 units in the next 10 years, with 150,000 additional PDP-8-based VT-78 video data processors and DECmates sold to date. The success of the PDP-8 was based on the PDP-5 architecture, new half-size 'Flip Chip' memory modules, automatic wire wrapping for reliable high-volume production, faster execution due to moving the program counter to a separate register, the ability to be integrated into OEM systems, a modern visual design, and use of Teletype Corp's Model 33 teleprinter as a low-cost terminal. Details of the evolution of the PDP-8 family are described.

Product information, Systems analysis, Design and construction, Product development, Minicomputers, Systems development, Digital Equipment Corp., DEC, Computer history, System Development, System Design, Minicomputer, History of Computing, DEC PDP-8 (Minicomputer)

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PCs and workstations: applications '90

Article Abstract:

Major price declines in professional workstation prices complemented with ever more powerful microprocessors and microcomputers in 1989. Specific events and trends included major price reductions in new reduced-instruction-set computer (RISC) workstations, the advent of Intel 80486-based microcomputers, an increasing number of IBM-compatible microcomputers based on the Intel 80386SX microprocessor, the proliferation of X Window display terminals, introduction of four new models of the Macintosh computer, decline in laptop computer size and the arrival of 'pocket' micros, introductions of multimedia software and hardware systems, and the continuing fragmentation of the Japanese PC market. Many exemplifying products are briefly described.

Semiconductors and related devices, Computer industry, Microprocessor, CPUs (Central processing units), Laptop computers, Business conditions, Workstations, Product Introduction, Trends, Microcomputer, Review of Past Year, RISC, RISC processors

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