The recent discovery by London waste firm, Just Clear, showcases a significant piece of computing history: two of the first desktop microcomputers ever made, the Q1 PC. Released in 1972 by Q1 Corporation, these computers have now found their way to Kingston University in Surrey, England, where they are on display until February 17th.
While these early desktop PCs may not be as impressive by today’s standards, they hold immense historical value. The Q1 PC was a pioneer in its time, featuring a fully integrated single-chip microprocessor that included the CPU. Powered by the Intel 8008 CPU, an 8-bit processor with a maximum clock speed of eight hundred kilohertz, the Q1 PCs could process a remarkable sixteen kilobytes of memory. Although these specifications may seem modest today, they were groundbreaking during the pre-PC era of the 1970s.
Intriguingly, the Q1 Corporation, responsible for developing the Q1 PC, was acquired just two years after its release. Originally, the Intel 8008 CPU was intended for use in Computer Terminal Corporation’s DataPoint 2200. However, Intel experienced delays in delivering the CPU, resulting in the creation of the 8008 CPU. Consequently, the Q1 PC stands as a testament to this significant turn of events in computer history.
It is fascinating to observe how CPUs have evolved since the Q1 PC’s era. While modern desktop designs now utilize multi-chip microprocessors with multiple cores, it took approximately thirty years for this advancement to occur.
If you are passionate about computing history and happen to be in the UK, seize this opportunity to witness these revolutionary artifacts at Kingston University before they potentially head to auction or into the hands of a private buyer. Although modest in size and processing power, the Q1 PC represents a crucial milestone in the development of desktop computers, paving the way for the remarkable advancements we witness in the present day.
The Q1 PC: A Significant Piece of Computing History
What is the significance of the Q1 PC?
The Q1 PC, released in 1972, is one of the first desktop microcomputers ever made. It was a pioneer in its time, featuring a fully integrated single-chip microprocessor and groundbreaking specifications for the pre-PC era.
What were the specifications of the Q1 PC?
The Q1 PC was powered by the Intel 8008 CPU, an 8-bit processor with a maximum clock speed of eight hundred kilohertz. It could process sixteen kilobytes of memory, which was impressive during that era.
Who developed the Q1 PC?
The Q1 PC was developed by the Q1 Corporation, which was acquired just two years after the computer’s release.
What was the original purpose of the Intel 8008 CPU?
The Intel 8008 CPU was initially intended for use in Computer Terminal Corporation’s DataPoint 2200. However, due to delays in delivering the CPU, the Q1 PC was created, making it a significant turn of events in computer history.
How have CPUs evolved since the era of the Q1 PC?
Since the time of the Q1 PC, CPUs have evolved significantly. Modern desktop designs now utilize multi-chip microprocessors with multiple cores, which took approximately thirty years to develop.
Where can you see the Q1 PCs?
The Q1 PCs are currently on display at Kingston University in Surrey, England until February 17th. If you are interested in computing history and happen to be in the UK, this is an opportunity to witness these revolutionary artifacts.
For more information about the Q1 PC and its significance in computing history, you can visit the main domain of Kingston University’s website: Kingston University.
The source of the article is from the blog mendozaextremo.com.ar