Visit Guide
This was not the first time the term “Personal Computer” was used. Actually, it was during the release of IMB Model 5150, in 1981, that the term became wide-spread and as well-known and familiar as we know it today.
Before the release of the IBM PC, the non-corporate computer market was flooded by a huge variety of microcomputer models, from various manufacturers, that were not compatible with each other. This made it difficult to adopt new and improved technologies.
More than a simple computer, the IMB PC was a standard that would later be adopted by many brands, giving origin to the term “IMC PC Compatible”. This term started a movement that redefined the world’s computation scene, and that is still used to this day. Companies like Microsoft and Intel owe this computer a huge chunk of their success.
Release Year: 1981
Processor: Intel 8088 @ 4.77MHz
Memory: 16K/640K
Resolution: 320×200 (4 Colours – CGA) | 640×200 (2 Colours)
Media: Floppy Disks and Cassettes
Even though this computer was very similar to the MSX on a technical level, it was not compatible with that line. The Memotech MTX500 was released in 1983 to compete in the aggressive 8-bit market.
One of its’ major distinguishing features was its’ aluminium chassis with an impressive construction quality, fairly uncommon at the time.
Although a promising contender, it did not sell enough to attract a significant number of programmers and ended up having a very limited software library, which greatly restricted its’ commercial success.
Merely two years after releasing this computer, Memotech filled for bankruptcy.
Release Year: 1983
Processor: Zilog Z80A @ 4MHz
Memory: 32K/64K
Resolution: 256×192 (16 Colours)
Media: Cassettes
16-bit rivals from Atari and Commodore, even though it was easily recognizable due to its’ colourful function keys.
The Archimedes will forever be engraved in history as being the first computer with a RISC processor (Reduced Instruction Set Computer), the ancestor of processor being used nowadays in almost every cell phone.
Even though this processor’s speed was similar to the one’s from its’ Motorola rivals, the architecture of the ARM2 processor was much more effective. This caused for the machine to be four times faster than the Motorola 68000.
Unfortunately, even though it had superior technical specifications, the Archimedes never hit the jackpot in terms of success, except in some niches in the market.
Release Year: 1985
Processor: ARM2 @ 8MHz
Memory: 1024K
Resolution: 1152×896 (2 Colours) | 640×256 (256 Colours)
Media: Floppy Disks
COMMODORE AMIGA
Considered by many the best 16-bit computer, the Commodore Amiga was released in early 1986.
A true engineering masterpiece, the architecture of this computer used many chips dedicated to helping the main CPU (a Motorola 68000) in graphics and sound processing.
Even though the first model had superior technical aspects (Amiga 1000), it was only after releasing the Amiga 500, in 1987, that this platform truly blossomed and became popular.
The Amiga was also the one responsible for the mainstreaming of Multi-Tasking operative systems, even though the first one available on the home market had been developed by Sinclair, for the QL, an year prior.
Release Year: 1986
Processor: Motorola 68000 @ 7.16MHz
Memory: 256K
Resolution: 640×400 (16 Colours) | 320×200 (32 Colours, up to 4096 Colours – HAM mode)
Media: Floppy Disks
The Atari 520ST (Sixteen-Thirty Two) proudly announced that its’ name belonged to the new 16-bit generation, which introduced the demise of the Spectrum and any other 8-bit computers.
Frequently untowardly compared to the Commodore Amiga, this Atari machine had some tricks up its’ sleeve, such as a faster processor and MIDI connectors that made the ST a very popular computer among music professionals.
Atari ST’s technical capacities were fairly more advanced that the ones from the 8-bit micros, and they quickly own over the hearts of a full generation of computer enthusiasts. If it had not been for its’ rival from Commodore, this machine could have dominated the market with this new generation of technology.
Release Year: 1985
Processor: Motorola 68000 @ 8MHz
Memory: 512K
Resolution: 640×200 (4 Colours) | 320×200 (16 Colours)
Media: Floppy Disks