Chronology of Events
in the
History of Microcomputers

Last updated: 1999 February 3

1981

January

• Radio Shack ceases production of the TRS-80 Model I, and recalls units from the US market, due to failure to meet new FCC radio-frequency interference regulations. [255.202] [258.208] (1980 November [268.188])
• Osborne Computer Corporation is incorporated. [266.263]
• The International Winter Consumer Electronics Show is held in Las Vegas, Nevada. [267.52] [713,188]
• Murray Bell and Paul Barsley present their microcomputer proposal to Dynalogic's owner, Bytec. Bytec executives give approval for the project. [615.173]
• Casio demonstrates the FX-9000P, with a 5 inch CRT, keyboard, keypad, removable memory modules, and 256x128 graphics. [267.53]
• Commodore announces the VIC-20, with full-size 61-key plus four function key keyboard, 5KB RAM expandable to 32KB, 6502A CPU, 22 character by 23 line text display, and color graphics, for US$299. During its life, production peaks at 9,000 units per day. [254.214] [190.81] [267.54] [268] [275.43] [713.188] [804.17] (1980 June [9])

February

• Steve Wozniak's private plane crashes, leaving him with a temporary loss of short-term memory, lasting for over a month. [218] [266.236] [618.187]
• Intel introduces the iAPX432 at the International Solid State Circuits Conference. [270.164]
• MS-DOS runs for the first time on IBM's prototype microcomputer. [346.81]
• Intel begins shipping evaluation sets of the iAPX432 microprocessor. Performance is claimed as 2 MIPS. [258.210]
• Curt and Kathy Preston open the Byte Shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. [267.138]
• Mattel test-markets the keyboard component of the Intellivision in Fresno, California. [268.48]

March

• The director of Canada' Radiation Protection Bureau declares that video display terminals carry no radiation hazard. [558.138]
• Sinclair unveils the ZX81 in the UK, based on the Z80A microprocessor, for under US$200. [198.vii] [624.170]
• Mike Markkula takes over as president and chief executive officer at Apple Computer. Steve Jobs remains as chairman of the board. [202.211] [203.63]

April

• Tim Patterson quits Seattle Computer Products, and joins Microsoft. [346.83]
• The sixth West Coast Computer Faire is held, in San Francisco, California. [267.6] [273.104]
• Adam Osborne, of Osborne Computer Corporation, introduces the Osborne 1 Personal Business Computer at the West Coast Computer Faire. It features a Z80A CPU, 5-inch display, 64KB RAM, keyboard, keypad, modem, and two 5.25-inch 100KB disk drives for US$1795. Weight: 24 pounds. It also includes US$1500 worth of software, including CP/M, BASIC, WordStar, and SuperCalc. Osborne anticipated selling 10,000 in total, but sales quickly reached 10,000 in a single month. [9] [257.8] [203.22] [273.104] [548.412] (July [41] [346.99]) (nearly US$2000 worth of software [266.263])
• Mike Scott is forced out as Apple Computer president. [618.187]

May

• The National Computer Conference is held in Chicago, with attendance of 73,000. [263.36]
• Xerox unveils the Star 8010, at the National Computer Conference. Many features that were developed on the Alto are incorporated. It includes a bitmapped screen, WYSIWYG word processor, mouse, laser printer, Smalltalk language, Ethernet, and software for combining text and graphics in the same document. At a starting price of US$16-17,000, the computer is not a commercial success. During its lifetime, 100,000 units are produced. [185.121] [203.60] [263.6] [274.28] [275.11] [275.56] [346.261] [444.492] [606.141] (cost US$50,000 [9]) (April [394.242] [477.158] [716.233]) (June [266.268]) (Star 820 [716.238])
• Atari announces the 8KB Atari 400 is being discontinued. [273.206]

June

• Microsoft reorganizes into Microsoft Incorporated, with Bill Gates as President and Chairman, and Paul Allen as Executive Vice President. [123] (July [346.261]) (Gates as executive vice president [346.262])
• Microsoft persuades IBM to introduce its microcomputer with a minimum of 64KB RAM. IBM had planned to only include 16KB. [346.84]

July

• Xerox announces the Xerox 820. During its development, it was code-named The Worm. It uses the Z80 CPU, CP/M, and BASIC. The price with a dual disk drive and display is US$3000. [266.268] [274.6] [275.54] (June [275.11])
• Microsoft buys all rights to DOS from Seattle Computer Products, and the name MS-DOS is adopted. [2] [31] [146]
• IBM introduces its first desktop computer, the Datamaster. It uses a 16-bit 8086, and is a dedicated data processing machine. [41]
• The first IBM PCs roll off the assembly lines. [203.16]
• Mike Scott resigns from Apple Computer. [266.237]

August

• IBM announces the IBM 5150 PC Personal Computer, in New York. The PC features a 4.77-MHz Intel 8088 CPU, 64KB RAM, 40KB ROM, one 5.25-inch floppy drive (160KB capacity), and PC-DOS 1.0 (Microsoft's MS-DOS), for about US$3000. A fully loaded version with color graphics costs US$6000. [9] [35] [41] [108] [120] [123] [146] [202.205] [205.28] [266.276] [277.14] [288.192] [346.86] [389.28] [415.48] [443.50] [606.27] [620.108,110] [716.237]
• IBM announces the CGA graphics card for the PC, giving 640x200 resolution with 16 colors. [117] [120]
• Quote from Tandy president John Roach, regarding IBM's entry into the microcomputer field: "I don't think it's that significant". [346.87]
• Apple Computer runs a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal with a headline that reads "Welcome IBM. Seriously.". [46] [346.87] [606.27]
• Vector Graphic makes its first public stock offering of US$13 million. [202.212]

September

• Novell Data Systems hires SuperSet to create software to link computers together to share a hard drive. [548.432]
• Microsoft begins work on a graphical user interface for MS-DOS, initially called Interface Manager, because it would effectively hide the interface between programs and devices like printers and video cards. [346.175]
• Osborne Computer Company has its first US$1 million sales month. [266.263]
• Apple Computer introduces its first hard drive, the 5MB ProFile, for US$3500. [46] (1983 [205.36])
• IBM begins shipping the IBM PC, ahead of schedule, something unheard of in the microcomputer industry. [264.296] (October [620.110])
• The Fourth Personal Computer World Show is held, in London England. [278.118]
• Sinclair Research and W H Smith sign an agreement for W H Smith to sell the ZX-81 in its retail stores in England, for a trial 1-year period. [285.93]
• Acorn Computer Ltd. introduces the BBC Microcomputer System. It features a 6502A CPU, up to 48 KB RAM, 73-key keyboard, and 16 color graphics. [278.120]

October

• Logo Computer Systems completes a contract with Apple Computer, for Apple to distribute their version of the LOGO language. This is the first time Apple agrees to co-label a product with an outside supplier, and the first time Apple signs a contract with a supplier outside of the US. [615.120]
• The ZX81 is introduced to the American market, as the Timex TS1000, for US$150. [201.vi]
• A senior scientist at Bell Telephone Laboratories declares that video monitors pose no health hazard due to radiation exposure. [558.138]

November

• Novell Data Systems ships the Novell Data Management Computer, with the ability to share its hard drive space with other computers through software control and network cards. [548.432]
• Ashton-Tate ships dBase II, the early industry-standard database program. [41] (January [346.261])
• At COMDEX, Tecmar introduces 20 add-on peripherals for the IBM PC, the first such third-party developer. [203.19] (26 products [606.28])
• Microsoft, Incorporated becomes Microsoft Corporation. [346.262]

December

• Murray Bell and Paul Barsley of Dynalogic create specifications for a microcomputer, which will become the Hyperion. [615.173]
• Intel ships the 8087 math coprocessor. [446.504]
• Sinclair Research reports that it has shipped 250,000 ZX81 personal computers. [394.418]
• National Semiconductor announces the 32000 chip, the first commercial 32-bit microprocessor. The 32000 family includes CPUs and peripheral chips.

(month unknown)

• (fall) David Bunnell starts PC Magazine, in San Francisco. [620.109]

(month unknown)

• (late fall) Apple Computer officially reintroduces the Apple III, with improved software and a hard disk. [266.239]

(month unknown)

• Micro/Vest files a lawsuit against Bill Millard, claiming 20% of ComputerLand stock. [647.95]

(month unknown)

• Bally licenses Commodore to manufacture its arcade games into cartridges for the VIC-20. [279.6]

(month unknown)

• Toshiba demonstrates its T200 and T250 systems. [274.30]

(month unknown)

• Rockwell International ceases production of bubble-memory products for the microcomputer market. [261.306]

(month unknown)

• W.H. Sim founds Creative Technology in Singapore. [221]

(month unknown)

• Hayes Microcomputer Products advertises the Smartmodem 300, which becomes the industry standard. [9] [176.75]

(month unknown)

• Astrovision releases the Bally Computer System. [292]

(month unknown)

• Seagate Technologies begins shipping its 5 MB 5.25-inch hard drives, for US$1700. [587.25]

(month unknown)

• College professor James Clark found Silicon Graphics, Incorporated. [159] (1982 [470.9])

(month unknown)

• Hayes Microcomputers Products' employee, Dale Heatherington, develops the +++ escape sequence for modems. [164.14]

(month unknown)

• APF introduces the Imagination Machine II at the 1981 Winter Consumer Electronics Show. It features a 6800 CPU, 27KB RAM, two 5.25 inch disk drives, built-in cassette drive, 53-key keyboard, and 32x16 character display capability for US$1600. [275.38]

(month unknown)

• Vector Graphic Inc. unveils the first personal computer with a built-in hard disk drive, for US$7950. [258.208]

(month unknown)

• Tandy Corporation sues Personal Microcomputers Inc. for copyright infringement on the design of the TRS-80. [258.208]

(month unknown)

• Texas Instruments announces that it is getting out of the magnetic bubble memory market. [263.358]

(month unknown)

• Apple Computer signs a secret agreement with Apple Corps Limited (the record company started by the Beatles), allowing Apple Computer to use the "Apple" name for its business. Apple Computer agrees not to market audio/video products with recording or playback capabilities. [548.377] [597.102] [612.47]

(month unknown)

• Apple Computer prohibits mail-order sales of Apple computers, claiming there is no provision for customer education or services. [340.9]

(month unknown)

• NCR and Shugart Associates develop the Shugart Associates system interface (SASI). [542.114] (developed by Shugart, 1979-81 [543])

(month unknown)

• The ANSI X3T9 standards committee adopts SASI as a working document for an ANSI interface standard. It is finalized in 1986, and named SCSI. [542.114] (NCR and Shugart request committee be formed; committee X3T9.2 formed in 1982 [543])

(month unknown)

• Intel and Advanced Micro Devices agree to collaborate on the design and production of new products. [732.73]

(month unknown)

• Charles Simonyi leaves Xerox PARC. [734.37]

(month unknown)

• Walt Disney Computer Software releases "Duck Tales: The Quest for Gold", for the Commodore 64/128. [808.G-12]

1982

January

• The US Justice Department throws out the antitrust lawsuit filed against IBM 13 years ago. [346.98]
• The 1982 Winter Consumer Electronics Show is held in Las Vegas, Nevada. [285.64] [395.106]
• Commodore announces the Commodore Ultimax at the Winter CES. Price is expected to be US$150. [285.64] [713.235] (Unimax [804.17])
• Kazuhiko Nishi, Microsoft's representative in Japan, shows Bill Gates a drawing of a prototype for a portable computer, using a new liquid crystal display developed by Hitachi. Gates and Nishi begin designing the details of the computer, which Kyocera Corporation in Japan had agreed to manufacture. [346.56]
• Commodore announces the Commodore 64 microcomputer, showing a prototype at the Winter CES. It features a 6510 processor, 64KB RAM, 20KB ROM with Microsoft BASIC, custom SID sound chip, 8 sprites, 16-color graphics, 40-column screen, for US$600) for US$595. It is the first personal computer with an integrated sound synthesizer chip. [9] [190.81] [285.64] [713.235] [812.6] (Summer [804.17]) (June [405.61])
• Commodore introduces the 16K SuperVIC. [285.66]
• Commodore introduces the VIC Modem, a 300 baud cartridge modem for US$110. [285.66]
• Texas Instruments introduces a peripheral expansion unit for the TI-99/4, for US$250. [285.66]
• Astrovision introduces the ZGrass-32 personal computer add-on to the Astro Professional Arcade, for US$600. It uses a Z-80 CPU. [285.66]
• Toshiba America previews its first personal computer, the Model T-100. It uses a Z-80A, a flat panel LCD display, and supports up to 32KB RAM and 32KB ROM in cartridges. [285.67]
• In the first 10 months of sale, 250,000 Sinclair ZX81 microcomputers have been delivered. [281.6]
• Sharp introduces the Sharp PC-1500 Hand Held Personal Computer. It comes with 16KB ROM, and 3.5KB RAM. Price for computer is US$300. Price for tiny color graphics printer that attaches to the side, US$250. [285.67]
• Atari begins shipping all Atari 800 units with GTIA graphics chips, allowing three more graphics modes than previously. [286.200]
• Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Model 16. It uses a 16-bit Motorola MC68000 microprocessor, a Z-80 microprocessor, 8-inch floppy drives, and optional 8-MB hard drive. [286.216] [393.40]
• Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Pocket Computer, Model PC-2, for US$280. It uses a 1.3-MHz 8-bit microprocessor, and has a 26-character display, with upper and lower case characters. It comes with 16KB ROM, and 2.6KB RAM, expandable to 16KB. An optional 4-color printer attaches to the side. [286.216] [393.41]
• Davong Systems Incorporated is formed. [287.11]
• Casio introduces the FX-9000P microcomputer. It uses a 2.75-MHz processor, 12KB ROM, 4KB RAM (expandable to 32KB), built-in 32x16 character (256x128 graphics) monochrome monitor, for US$1200. [395.106]
• The Tabor company is established, for creating disk drives. [444.74]
• Epson introduces the KX-1 desktop computer in Japan. [395.120]
• Microsoft signs an agreement with Apple Computer, for Microsoft to develop applications for the Macintosh. [477.157]
• Apple Computer gives Microsoft its first Macintosh prototype, for Microsoft to develop applications on. [686.146]

February

• The first issue of PC Magazine is released. [778.112]
• Sinclair Research and Times Corporation reach a licensing agreement for Timex to manufacture and market Sinclair personal computers in North America. [624.170]
• IBM splits its Personal Computer development team into three groups: one to work on the PC XT, one to develop the PCjr, and one to start work on the PC AT. [41]
• Compaq Computer Corporation is founded by Rod Canion, Jim Harris, and Bill Murto, all former senior managers of Texas Instruments. [47] [113] [203.22] (1981 January [307.85])
• Intel introduces the 6-MHz 80286 microprocessor. It uses a 16-bit data bus, 134,000 transistors (1.5 microns), and offers protected mode operation. Initial price is US$360 each, in quantities of 100. It can access 16 MB of memory, or 1 GB of virtual memory. Speed is 0.9 MIPS. Later versions operate at 10-MHz (1.5 MIPS), and 12-MHz (2.66 MIPS). [177.102] [296] [540.64] [690.94] (130,000 transistors [447.144] [477.124]) (June [405.60]) (July [9] [346.263])
• Sun Microsystems is founded. "SUN" originally stodd for Stanford University Network. [241] [734.149,152]

March

• Commodore introduces the VicModem 300 baud modem, for US$109.95. It includes free offers valued at US$200. [713.223]
• Apple Computer ships Apple LOGO, supplied by Logo Computer Systems of Canada. [615.120]
• Microsoft releases FORTRAN for MS-DOS. [346.262]
• Coprocessors Inc. introduces the 88-Card, a plug-in card for the Apple II, with 64KB RAM and an Intel 8088 microprocessor. [396.14]
• Non-Linear Systems introduces the Kaycomp II for US$1800. It features dual 5.25-inch floppy drives, Z-80 processor, CP/M, and a 9-inch 80-column monochrome screen. [396.16]
• Xebec introduces a 5MB hard disk and controller kit for Apple or CP/M computers, for US$1300. [396.16]
• Xedex Corp. introduces the Baby Blue card (a Z80B processor on a plug-in card), allowing the IBM PC to run standard CP/M programs. Price: US$600. [346.92] [396.10] (April [9]) (Vendex [346.93])

April

• Mitch Kapor founds Lotus Development Corporation. [217] [346.262]
• Microsoft establishes a subsidiary company in England. [346.262]
• Eight months after the introduction of the IBM PC, 50,000 units have been sold. [218]
• Sinclair Research introduces the Sinclair ZX Spectrum in the UK. [624.170]
• Kazuhiko Nishi shows a prototype portable computer to Tandy/Radio Shack. Tandy makes a committment to market the computer. [346.56]
• IBM first offers CP/M-86 for the IBM PC. [346.90]
• Commodore announces the B (700) and P (500) series of microcomputers. They feature 6509 CPU, 64KB RAM expandable to 256KB, 28KB ROM with OS and BASIC, 80x25 green phosphor monitor, 94-key keyboard, twin 5 1/4-inch floppy disk drives, several I/O ports, for US$1700-3000. [624.174]

May

• Sun Microsystems begins shipping the Sun 1 workstation computer. [734.152]
• Future Computing Inc. quote: "CP/M 2.2 is extremely important, and the Z80 chip will live forever because of it." [9]
• Eagle Computer is incorporated. [481.31]
• Vector Graphic hires Frederick Snow as new president and CEO. [202.213]
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 1.1 to IBM, for the IBM PC. It supports 320KB double-sided floppy disk drives. Microsoft also releases MS-DOS 1.25, similar to 1.1 but for IBM-compatible computers. [146] [346.251] (June [346.263])
• Digital Research releases the MP/M II v2.1 operating system. [444.194]
• Timex Computer Corp. and Sinclair Research Ltd. announce an agreement for Timex to market a 2KB version of the ZX-81 as the Timex/Sinclair 1000. [201.vi] (April [288.10])

June

• Dynalogic introduces the Hyperion microcomputer at the Spring COMDEX in Atlantic City. The Hyperion is the first IBM-compatible portable microcomputer. [615.174]
• The National Computer Conference is held in Houston, Texas. [339.22] [405.58]
• Epson shows a working prototype computer called the "Rising Star". It is later introduced as the QX-10. [339.22]
• Coleco announces the ColecoVision video game system. [292]
• Sony Electronics demonstrates its 3.5 inch microfloppy disk system. [189.174]
• The first IBM PC clone, the MPC, is released by Columbia Data Products. [9] [346.263]
• Olivetti introduces the M20 microcomputer, with Z8001 processor. [405.60] [624.187]
• Epson America, Inc. announces the HX-20 (HC-20 in Japan), a notebook-sized computer. It weighs only 3 pounds, and is reported to run on internal batteries for up to 50 hours. It includes 16KB RAM, 32KB ROM, a full-size keyboard, built-in printer, and 20x4 character LCD screen. [289.156] [447.124] (1981 November [9])
• Cromemco Inc. announces the C-10 personal computer. It uses a 4-MHz Z-80A, 64KB RAM, and 80x25 screen, for US$1000. [289.156]
• Wang Laboratories Ltd. introduces the Wang Professional Computer, for US$2700. [289.157]
• Commodore Business Machines Inc. introduces the Commodore Max Machine. It has 16-color 40x25 screen capability, for US$179.95. Former name was Ultimax. It is sold only in Japan. [289.162] [713.237]
• Commodore Business Machines introduces the BX256 16-bit multiprocessor professional microcomputer. It includes 256KB RAM, Intel 8088 for CP/M-86, 6509 CPU, 80-column B/W monitor, built-in dual disk drives, and 3-voice sound for US$3000. [289.162] [405.60]
• Commodore Business Machines introduces the B128 microcomputer. It features 128KB RAM, 40KB ROM, 6509 CPU, 5.25-inch floppy drive, 3-voice sound chip, cartridge slot, and an 80-column green screen, for US$1700. [289.162] [405.543]
• Commodore Business Machines announces the P128 microcomputer. It is to be an enhanced Commodore 64 with 128KB RAM expandable to 896KB. Price US$995. [289.162] [804.17]
• Commodore Business Machines again shows the Commodore 64 at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show. [713.238]
• Lobo Drives International introduces the Lobo MAX-80 personal computer. It features a 5-MHz Z80 processor, 64KB RAM, serial/parallel ports, interfaces for 5.25-inch and 8-inch floppy drives, hard drive interface, TRS-80 bus slot, CP/M, optional LDOS for TRS-80 emulation, monochrome graphics, and keyboard, for US$800-1000. [289.164] [446.390]
• Altos Computer Systems announces the ACS8600. [289.164]
• Toshiba America introduces its Toshiba T100 personal computer. [289.164]
• Intel announces the 80186 microprocessor. [405.60] (July [9])
• Digital Equipment announces the dual-processor Rainbow 100. It incorporates both Zilog Z-80 and Intel 8088 microprocessors, allowing it to run CP/M as well as CP/M-86 or MS-DOS. Prices start at US$3000. [266.279] [290] (8085 and 8088 [289.272]) (March [396.20])

July

• PC Connection is founded. [688.259]
• Bill Gates hires James Towne, a manager from Tektronix, as first president of Microsoft. [346.100]
• Boston's Computer Museum, devoted to documenting and displaying the evolution of computer technology, is incorporated.
• Timex Computer Corp. begins selling the Timex Sinclair 1000 through over 1000 Timex retail outlets. [288.10]
• Apple Computer releases the Apple Dot Matrix Printer, for US$700. It is a modified C.Itoh printer. [46]

August

• Texas Instruments issues a US$100 rebate on the TI 99/4A, effectively reducing the retail price to US$200. [713.267]
• 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] (800,000 [782.11])
• Microsoft releases Multiplan for the Apple II and the Osborne I. [346.263]
• Hercules announces the Hercules Graphics Card (HGC or HGA), with monochrome graphics at 720x348 resolution. [117] [120]

September

• Commodore Business Machines begins shipping the Commodore 64. Suggested retail price is US$595. [713.238,268]
• Iomega begins production of the Alpha 10, a 10MB 8-inch floppy-disk drive using Bernoulli technology. [444.78]
• On-Line Systems changes its name to Sierra On-Line. [353.362]

October

• 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

• Dynalogic again demonstrates its Hyperion portable computer, at Toronto's Canadian Computer Show. [615.177]
• Dynalogic demonstrates a dozen Hyperion portable computers at the fall COMDEX in Las Vegas. [615.177]
• Drivetec announces the Drivetec 320 Superminifloppy, offering 3.33MB unformatted capacity on a 5.25-inch drive. [444.80]
• Lotus Development announces the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet program at Comdex in Las Vegas. [41] [346.111] (October [9])
• Corporate headhunter 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]
• Franklin shows off a prototype of the Franklin Ace 1200, an Apple II compatible, at Comdex. [529.196]
• VisiCorp announces the VisiOn graphical user interface at the Fall 1982 Comdex. [346.176] [477.158]
• Compaq Computer introduces the Compaq Portable PC: 4.77MHz 8088, 128KB RAM, 9-inch monochrome monitor, one 320KB 5.25-inch disk drive, price US$3000. It cost Compaq US$1 million to create an IBM-compatible ROM BIOS that did not violate IBM's copyright. [1] [108] [117] [346.263] [618.171] (January 1983 [47] [203.23] [346.95]) (March 1983 [41])
• Satellite Software International introduces the WordPerfect word processing program. [330.108] (October [502.49])

December

• Pepsi-Cola president John Sculley first visits Apple Computer. [745.62]
• Tabor demonstrates a 3.25-inch floppy disk drive, the Model TC500 Drivette. Unformatted capacity is up to 500KB 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]
• Apple Computer becomes the first personal computer company to reach US$1 billion in annual sales. [46]

(month unknown)

• (spring) Microsoft releases GW-BASIC, with advanced graphics capabilities. [346.262]

(month unknown)

• (spring) Commodore releases the 1540 Single-Drive Floppy for the VIC-20. [804.17]

(month unknown)

• (spring) Microsoft releases Microsoft COBOL for MS-DOS. [346.262]

(month unknown)

• (spring) IBM releases Digital Research's CP/M-86 for the IBM PC. [346.262]

(month unknown)

• (spring) Microsoft ships its Multiplan spreadsheet program to IBM for testing and marketing for the IBM PC. [346.109]

(month unknown)

• (summer) Microsoft receives its first Macintosh prototype from Apple, for use in developing software for the machine. [346.149]

(month unknown)

• (late) General Consumer Electronics introduces the Vectrex, the first home gaming system with a built-in 9-inch monochrome vector monitor. It uses a Motorola 68A09 processor. Price: US$200. [292] [338.82] [446.92]

(month unknown)

• Matsushita introduces the National Mybrain 3000 microcomputer. It features an 8088 processor, 96KB RAM, 32KB video RAM, 640x400 graphics, choice of 3-inch, 5.25-inch, and 8-inch floppy drives, and operates MS-DOS and CP/M-86. [447.110]

(month unknown)

• Mitsubishi introduces the Multi 16 microcomputer. It features an 8088 processor, 128KB RAM, 640x400 graphics, 300KB 5.25-inch floppy, and CP/M-86. [447.112]

(month unknown)

• Toshiba introduces the Pasopia 16 (T300 in the United States). It features an 8088 processor, optional 8087 math coprocessor, 192KB RAM, 4KB ROM, MS-DOS, 320KB 5.25-inch floppy, and up to 640x560 graphics. [447.113]

(month unknown)

• Toshiba introduces the Tosbac UX-300. It features a Toshiba 88000 processor, 512KB RAM, 1MB 8-inch floppy drive, 10MB hard drive, and runs UNIX, for US$9300. [447.113]

(month unknown)

• NEC introduces the Advanced Personal Computer (N5200 in Japan). It features a 5-MHz NEC PD8086 microprocessor, single or dual 1.2MB 8-inch disk drives, 128KB RAM, monochrome or color 12-inch monitor, 80x25 text, 640x475 graphics, and supports CP/M-86 or MS-DOS. [447.113] (1983 [461.280])

(month unknown)

• Symantec is formed. [656.33]

(month unknown)

• NEC introduces the NEC PC-9800. It features an Intel 8086 microprocessor, 128KB RAM, 96KB ROM with NBASIC-86, 640x400 graphics, various floppy drives, and MS-DOS or CP/M-86. [447.113]

(month unknown)

• Hitachi introduces the BASIC Master 16000 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8088 microprocessor, MS-DOS, 320KB RAM, 640x400 graphics, and two 320KB 5.25-inch floppy drives. [447.114]

(month unknown)

• Hitachi introduces the PT-1 Personal Terminal. It features MS-DOS, 720x520 graphics, and two 1MB 8-inch floppy drives. [447.114]

(month unknown)

• At the National Association of Music Manufacturers convention, a group of electronic music companies agree to establish a set of digital transmission standards for electronic music. A year later, MIDI is born. [629.25]

(month unknown)

• Sanyo introduces the MBC-55 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8088 microprocessor, 160KB 5.25-inch floppy drive, 64KB RAM, optional Intel 8087 math coprocessor, and choice of CP/M-86, Concurrent CP/M-86, or MS-DOS. [447.114]

(month unknown)

• Sord introduces the M-343 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8086 microprocessor, Intel 8087 math coprocessor, Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 640x400 graphics, dual floppy drives, and support of various operating systems. [447.116]

(month unknown)

• Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP75C portable computer. [624.184]

(month unknown)

• Anritsu introduces the Anritsu Packet II microcomputer. It features a Motorola 68000 microprocessor, two 150KB 5.25-inch floppy drives, and 256KB RAM. [447.116]

(month unknown)

• Matsushita introduces the National JR-200 personal computer. It features a 6802 microprocessor, 16KB ROM, and 32KB RAM. [447.124]

(month unknown)

• Matsushita introduces the National JR-100 personal computer. It features a 6802 microprocessor, 8KB ROM, and 16KB RAM. [447.124]

(month unknown)

• Matsushita introduces the Tomy 16-bit Graphics Computer. It features a TMS 9995 microprocessor. [447.124]

(month unknown)

• Sord introduces the M5 microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 8KB ROM, 4KB RAM, and 16KB graphics RAM. [447.124]

(month unknown)

• Sanyo introduces the PHC-25 microcomputer. It features 24KB ROM with BASIC, and 22KB RAM. [447.124]

(month unknown)

• AI Electronics introduces the AI-M16 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8086 microprocessor, Intel 8089 I/O processor, optional Intel 8087 math coprocessor, 256KB RAM, and support for various operating systems. [447.116]

(month unknown)

• Corvus Systems introduces the Corvus Concept microcomputer. It uses Motorola 68000 processor, 256KB RAM, 120x66 character (560x720 graphics) B/W display, for US$5000. [396.6]

(month unknown)

• 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, 256KB RAM, RMX/86 operating system, and 512x480 color graphics. [447.118]

(month unknown)

• Advanced Micro Devices and Intel sign a 10-year technology exchange agreement centering on Intel's x86 microprocessor architecture. [141] [659.7]

(month unknown)

• Seiko introduces the 8600, using an Intel 8086 microprocessor. [447.118]

(month unknown)

• Sharp introduces the Sharp X1 microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 64KB RAM, 4KB video RAM, cassette-tape recorder, printer interface, dual joystick interface, sound synthesizer, 80x25 text, and dual 5.25-inch floppy drives. [447.118]

(month unknown)

• Sony introduces the SMC-70 microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, two 3.5-inch drives, and optional Intel 8086 microprocessor add-on unit. [447.120]

(month unknown)

• Aval introduces the AVC-777J2 portable microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 64KB RAM, 16KB video RAM, CP/M 2.2, 5-inch monochrome monitor, two 600KB 5.25-inch floppy drives, 5-inch thermal printer, and parallel/serial ports. It weighs 27.5 pounds. [447.122]

(month unknown)

• Aval introduces the AVC-666 microcomputer. It is like the AVC-777J2, but without a monitor and printer. [447.122]

(month unknown)

• Sord introduces the M23P portable microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 128KB RAM, 80x8 LCD display, dual 290KB 3.5-inch disk drives, and weighs 19.8 pounds. [447.12]]

(month unknown)

• Milton Bradley buys General Consumer Electronics. [340.10]

(month unknown)

• Mattel introduces the Intellivision II. [292]

(month unknown)

• An insurance company contracts with programmer Wilton Jones to create a PC word processing program that mimics Wang word processing. That program becomes MultiMate. [33]

(month unknown)

• Astrovision renames the Bally Computer System as the Astrocade. [292]

(month unknown)

• Victor Business Products releases the Victor 9000 microcomputer. It features 128KB RAM, two 612KB disk drives, two serial ports, two parallel ports, 800x400 green high resolution video, speaker/amplifier, sound digitizer, 5-MHz 8088 processor, CP/M-86 or MS-DOS, for US$5000. [445.216]

(month unknown)

• Vector Graphic introduces the Vector 4 system, leaving them with US$3 million in stock of the Vector 3 system. [202.213]

(month unknown)

• Franklin Computer Corp. unveils the Franklin Ace 1000, the first legal (at the time) Apple II clone. It uses a 1.022 MHz 6502 CPU, and comes with 64KB RAM. [9] [291.10]

(month unknown)

• Andrew Fluegelman begins distributing his PC-Talk communications software, the first copyrighted program distributed as shareware. [315.32]

(month unknown)

• General Videotex Corporation begins the Delphi online service. [218]

(month unknown)

• Robert Lissner begins work on Apple Pie, which would be marketed by Apple Computer as AppleWorks for the Apple II. [218]

(month unknown)

• The Businessland computer retail store chain is founded. [34] [734.202]

(month unknown)

• Jack Tramiel resigns from Commodore Business Machines, but later takes his position back. [349.30]

(month unknown)

• At the West Coast Computer Faire, Davong Systems introduces its 5MB Winchester Disk Drive for the IBM PC, for US$2000. [287.11]

(month unknown)

• John Warnock founds Adobe Systems. [346.146]

(month unknown)

• In the first 8 months since its introduction, 11,000 Osborne 1 computers ship. [203.23]

(month unknown)

• Personal Software changes its name to VisiCorp. [346.280]

(month unknown)

• Mouse Systems Corporation is founded. [627.204]

(month unknown)

• Mouse Systems introduces the first commercial mouse for the IBM PC. [176.112]

(month unknown)

• Apple Computer announces the Lisa computer to the press. [266.xv]

(month unknown)

• Sanyo introduces the PHC-8000 hand-held computer. It features a NSC-800 CMOS microprocessor, 24KB ROM, 4KB RAM, one-line LCD screen, optional I/O unit PHC-8010 allows connection to video monitor and microcassette recorder and adds 14KB ROM and 22KB RAM. [447.125]

(month unknown)

• Toshiba introduces the Pasopia Mini. It features an 8-bit CMOS microprocessor, 4KB RAM, 20KB ROM including 16KB BASIC, and a one-line LCD screen. [447.125]

(month unknown)

• NEC introduces the PC-2001 Hand-Held Computer. It features an 8-bit 4-MHz CMOS uPD7907 microprocessor, 36KB ROM, 16KB RAM, serial port, and 40x2 character LCD screen. [447.125]

(month unknown)

• Drexel University in Philadelphia announces it will require all students to own a personal computer. This is the first university to make such a proclamation. [734.60]

(month unknown)

• Al Charpentier, Bruce Crockett, and Bob Yannes leave Commodore International to start a competing company, Ensoniq. [732.99]

End of 1981-1982 - Business Takes Over