Chronology of Personal Computers

Copyright © 1995-2024 Ken Polsson
internet e-mail: ken@kpolsson.com
All rights reserved. Permission is granted to create web links
to this site, not to copy these pages to other web sites.
URL: http://kpolsson.com/comphist/

References are numbered in [brackets], which are listed here. A number after the dot gives the page in the source.

Last updated: 2023 October 25.


2001

July 2
  • Intel releases the 1.8 GHz Pentium 4 processor. It features dual RDRAM memory banks, 400 MHz system bus, and 0.18-micron process technology. Price is US$562 in quantities of 1000. [1221.27] [1551.8]
July 3
  • Apple Computer halts production of its Power Mac G4 Cube, due to slow sales. [1559] [1886.72]
July 11
  • Adobe Systems releases PageMaker 7.0. Full package price is US$499; upgrade price is US$79. [1559]
July 18
  • Apple Computer announces the Power Mac G4/867. It features 867 MHz processor, 133 MHz system bus, 2 MB Level 3 cache, four 33 MHz PCI slots, 4x AGP slot, three DIMM slots, SuperDrive (DVD-R and CD-RW), 60 GB hard drive, Mac OS 9.2, Mac OS X 10.0.4, 128 MB RAM. Price is US$2499. [1645.24]
July 20
  • Microsoft makes the source code for Windows CE 3.0 available to developers under a Shared Source License, allowing developers to view and modify the source code, but not release it commercially. [1559]
August 3
  • The PCI-SIG group votes unanimously to adopt Intel's proposed 3GIO (also called Arapahoe) as a replacement technology for the PCI system bus in future personal computers. 3GIO is expected to be six times faster than the fastest current version of PCI. The specification is expected to be finalized as PCI 3.0 in mid-2002, with first products arriving in mid-2003, and wide adoption in 2004. [1559]
August
  • The Serial ATA Working Group completes the Serial ATA 1.0 specification. This is designed to replace the parallel ATA disk-interface, allowing data transfer speeds of 150 MBps. Main developers of the group are APT, Dell, IBM, Intel, Maxtor, and Seagate. [1551.42]
  • At the Intel Developers Forum in San Jose, California, Intel demonstrates a 2 GHz Pentium 4 processor. [1223.6]
August 16
  • Be announces it will be acquired by Palm for US$11 million. (In 1996, Apple Computer offered US$125 million for the company.) [1559]
August 20
  • Hewlett-Packard announces the DVD100i DVD writer. The drive is to be released in September, priced at US$599. This is the first DVD+RW drive available for personal computers. [1559]
  • Advanced Micro Devices announces the 1.1 GHz Athlon 4 processor for portable computers. It features 200 MHz system bus, PowerNow technology, Streaming SIMD Extensions. Price is US$425. [1559]
  • Advanced Micro Devices announces the 900 MHz Duron processor for portable computers. It features 200 MHz system bus, PowerNow technology, Streaming SIMD Extensions. Price is US$130. [1559]
  • Apple Computer begins shipping a Power Mac G4 computer with dual 800 MHz PowerPC G4 processors, CD-RW/DVD-R SuperDrive, 256 MB RAM, and 80 GB hard drive. Price is US$3499. [1559]
August
  • Advanced Micro Devices introduces the 1.0 GHz Duron processor. It features 64 kB Level 1 data cache, 64 kB Level 1 instruction cache, 64 kB Level 2 cache, three pipelined FPUs, max address 4 GB, and 200 MHz system bus. It supports MMX, 3DNow!, Enhanced 3DNow!, 3DNow! Professional instructions. It incorporates 25.2 million transistors in a 0.18-micron process. Code-name during development was Morgan. [1278.114] [1454.124]
August 27
  • Intel releases the 1.9 GHz and 2.0 GHz Pentium 4 processors. Prices are US$375 and US$562 respectively in quantities of 1000. [1551.8] [1559]
August 31
  • Intel launches new Celeron processors, at speeds of 950 MHz, 1 GHz, and 1.1GHz. Each features 100 MHz system bus, and 128 kB of level 2 cache. Prices are US$74, US$89, and US$103 respectively. [1559]

    vvv advertisement vvv

    ^^^ advertisement ^^^
(month unknown)
  • Microsoft discontinues Office 2000. [1222.3]
September 4
  • Hewlett-Packard announces it will acquire Compaq Computer in a stock swap worth about US$25 billion. [1559] [911.90]
September 6
  • At the Demomobile conference in La Jolla, California, Microsoft unveils the Pocket PC 2002 operating system. [1559]
  • The US Department of Justice announces it will no longer pursue the breakup of Microsoft, or the claim that Microsoft illegally integrated its browser with Windows. [1559]
September
  • Microsoft officially retires Windows NT 4.0. [1553.11]
  • Hewlett-Packard introcuces the HP Jornada 565 handheld computer. It features 32 MB RAM, 206 MHz Intel StrongARM SA-1110 processor, 65,536-color reflective TFT display, CompactFlash Type I slot. The lithium polymer battery provides about 14 hours of operation. Price is about US$600. [1269.42] [1559]
September 17
  • Handspring introduces the Handspring Visor Neo handheld computer. It features monochrom display, 33 MHz processor, 8 MB RAM, palm OS 3.5.2H3. Two AAA batteries power the unit for 6-8 weeks. Price is US$199. The Handspring Visor Pro comes with 16 MB RAM, for US$299. [1269.52] [1559]
September 18
  • Sony announces the Clie PEG N760C handheld computer. It features built-in digital audio player, Palm OS v4.1, 65,536-color display. Price is US$500; the unit is to be available in October, replacing the Clie PEG N710C. [1559]
September 24
  • PC manufacturers begin shipping new computers with Windows XP preloaded. [1417.32] [1559]
September 25
  • Romania issues a postage stamp that depicts the first microprocessor, in 1971. [2525.548]
September 28
  • At a court hearing, Kollar-Kotelly strongly suggests Microsoft and the US Department of Justice settle the antitrust case, rather than proceed in court. The judge gives them until November 2 to settle the case. [1559]
September 29
  • Apple Computer releases the Mac OS X 10.1 operating system. New features include DVD movie playback, ability to burn DVD RW discs from Finder, and faster launch of programs. Upgrade price is US$19.99 from Apple (free until October 31 in stores); full package costs US$129. Code-name during development was Puma [1559] [1645.20] [1880.20] [1886.72] [1918.45]
July-September
  • Shipments of handheld computers worldwide during July to September: Palm 750,000; Hewlett-Packard / Compaq Computer 320,000; Casio 185,200; Sony 93,000; others 1,229,800. [1648.12]
(month unknown)
  • Intel announces mobile Pentium III processors based on 0.13-micron process technology, with 512 kB Level 2 cache and 133 MHz system bus. Speeds and prices in 1000-unit quantities are US$625 (1.13 GHz), US$499 (1.06 GHz), US$394 (1 GHz), US$278 (933 MHz) US$247 (866 MHz). [1221.27]
  • NEC Computers introduces the NEC MobilePro P300 Pocket PC handheld computer. It features Pocket PC 2002 operating system, Compact Flash II and Secure Digital slots, 32 MB RAM, 32 MB Secure Digital card, 206 MHz Intel ARM processor, reflective TFT 65,536-color display, 10-hour battery life, speaker. Price is US$599; weight is 7 ounces. [1828.52] [1841.47]
October 1
  • Apple Computer releases a new iMac computer to retail outlets. It features 64 MB memory, and CD-ROM drive. Price is US$799. [1559]
  • Advanced Micro Devices releases the 1.1 GHz Duron processor. Price is US$103 in 1000-unit quantity. [1559]
October 2
  • Intel introduces the 1.2 GHz Celeron processor. It features 16 kB Level 1 data cache, 16 kB Level 1 instruction cache, 256 kB Level 2 cache, 100 MHz system bus, MMX and SSE instructions, 64 GB address space. It incorporates 44 million transistors in a 0.13-micron process. Code-name during development was Tualatin. Price is US$103 in 1000-unit quantities. [1278.114] [1454.124] [1559]
October 3
  • Belize issues a postage stamp depicting personal computers in use. [2404.857]
October 4
  • In San Francisco, California, and London, England, Microsoft introduces the Pocket PC 2002 operating system. Code-name during development was Merlin. [1269.41] [1559] [1897.132]
  • Compaq Computer introduces the iPaq H3870 handheld computer. It features 206 MHz Intel StrongARM SA-1110 processor, 64 MB RAM, Bluetooth wireless communications, 65,536 color TFT screen, Secure Digital expansion slot, Pocket PC 2002 operating system. The battery provides about 12 hours of operation. Price is US$649; the unit is due by mid-November. [1269.41] [1559]
  • Casio introduces the Casio Cassiopeia E-200 handheld computer. It features 64 MB RAM, CompactFlash Type II slot, Secure Digital and MultiMedia Card slot, Pocket PC 2002 operating system, USB connection, 206 MHz Intel StrongARM SA-1110 processor, 65,536-color reflective TFT display. Price is US$599; weight is 7 ounces; size is 5 x 3.1 x 0.6 inches. [1278.34] [1559]
  • Toshiba America Information Systems introduces the Toshiba Pocket PC e570 handheld computer. It features 206 MHz Intel StrongARM SA-1110 processor, 64 MB RAM, CompactFlash Type II slot, SecureDigital slot, 65,536-color reflective display, and Pocket PC 2002 operating system. The battery provides about 8 hours of operation. Price is US$569; the unit is to be available in November. [1269.42] [1559]
October 9
  • Advanced Micro Devices introduces the 1.33 GHz Athlon XP 1500+ processor. It features 64 kB Level 1 data cache, 64 kB Level 1 instruction cache, 256 kB Level 2 cache, three pipelined FPUs, 4 GB address space, and 266 MHz system bus. It supports MMX, 3DNow!, Enhanced 3DNow!, 3DNow! Professional instructions. It incorporates 37.5 million transistors in a 0.18-micron process. Price is US$160 in 1000-unit quantities. Code-name during development was Palomino, and briefly Corvette. "XP" stands for extreme performance. [1278.114] [1454.124] [1463.24] [1559]
  • Advanced Micro Devices releases the Athlon XP 1600+ processor. Price is US$160. [1551.8]
  • Advanced Micro Devices releases the Athlon XP 1700+ processor. Price is US$190. [1551.8]
  • Advanced Micro Devices releases the 1.53 GHz Athlon XP 1800+ processor. Price is US$252. [1551.8] [1559]
  • The US Supreme Court rejects Microsoft's request to hear an appeal of its antitrust case. [1559]
October 15
  • Handspring announces the Handspring Treo 180 handheld computer. It features tiny keyboard, monochrome screen, 33 MHz Dragonball VZ processor, 16 MB of RAM and rechargeable batteries. The system is to be released in early 2002 for about US$400. [1559]
  • Handspring announces the Handspring Treo 180g handheld computer. It features Graffiti handwriting recognition, monochrome screen, 33 MHz Dragonball VZ processor, 16 MB of RAM and rechargeable batteries The system is to be released in early 2002 for about US$400. [1559]
  • Handspring announces the Handspring Treo 270 handheld computer. It features color screen, 33 MHz Dragonball VZ processor, 16 MB of RAM and rechargeable batteries. The system is to be released in mid-2002 for about US$600. [1559]
October
  • IBM introduces the 700 MHz PowerPC G3 processor. It features 32 kB Level 1 data cache, 32 kB Level 1 instruction cache, 512 kB Level 2 cache, 100 MHz system bus, three pipelined FPUs, 4 GB address space. It incorporates 38 million transistors in a 0.13-micron process. [1454.124]
October 22
  • Sony Electronics introduces the Sony Clié PEG-T415 handheld computer in the US. It features Palm OS 4.1, 8 MB RAM, Memory Stick slot, 2.8-inch diagonal 320x320 pixel backlit monochrome display, infrared port, USB HotSync cradle. Price is about US$300; thickness is 0.39 inches; weight is 4.3 ounces. [1282.34] [1842.62] [1559]
October 25
  • Microsoft launches the Windows XP operating system in the US. The software is based on Windows NT and Windows 2000, but includes a Compatibility Mode allowing most software written for older Windows versions to operate correctly. Several people can be logged in at once, quickly swapping between separate desktops. Prices are US$199 (Home Edition) and US$299 (Professional Edition). Upgrade prices are US$99 (Home Edition) and US$199 (Professional Edition). The source code is 50 million lines. [1219.37] [1267.112] [1417.7] [1446.16] [1559] [1772.70] [1897.132]
  • Microsoft posts the first Windows XP Update Package on its Windows Update Web site. [1446.16]
  • Microsoft releases Microsoft Plus for Windows XP. Price is US$39.95. [1559]
October 30
  • Microsoft releases Works Suite 2002 software package. It includes Word 2002, Encarta Encyclopedia Standard 2002, Money 2002 Standard, Picture It! Photo 2002, Streets & Trips 2002, and Works 6.0. Price is US$109. [1559]
October (month)
  • Top selling computer game in the United States for the month: Command & Conquer Red Alert 2. [1856.16]
  • Top selling computer game in the United Kingdom for the month: Championship Manager '01/'02 by Eidos. [1856.16]
(month unknown)
  • Quote by Microsoft chairman Bill Gates: "For things I do today, the computer is often confusing.". [1269.27]
November 2
  • Microsoft and the US Department of Justice and nine US states reach a settlement in their antitrust case. Microsoft is to license Windows uniformly, and cannot make exclusive contracts that compel companies to use to not use certain competing software products. The settlement is subject to acceptance by U.S. District Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly. If approved, a consent decree would be in effect for five years, with a technology-oversight team at Microsoft ensuring compliance. [1211.8] [1559] [1773.62] [1897.132]
November 5
  • Advanced Micro Devices introduces the 1.6 GHz Athlon XP 1900+ processor. It features 64 kB Level 1 data cache, 64 kB Level 1 instruction cache, 256 kB Level 2 cache, three pipelined FPUs, max address 4 GB, and 266 MHz system bus. It supports MMX, 3DNow!, Enhanced 3DNow!, and 3DNow! Professional instructions. It incorporates 37.6 million transistors in a 0.13-micron process. Price is US$269 in 1000-unit quantities.. Code-name during development was Thoroughbred. [1551.8] [1559] (June 2002 [1454.124])
November 12
  • Advanced Micro Devices announces the 950 MHz mobile Duron processor. Price is US$160. [1559]
  • Advanced Micro Devices announces the 1.2 GHz mobile Athlon 4 processor. Price is US$525. [1559]
November 13
  • Palm buys Be's assets for $11 million in stock. [2605.276]
November 15
  • Advanced Micro Devices introduces the 1.2 MHz Duron processor. It features 192 kB on-chip cache, 200 MHz front-side bus, superscalar floating-point unit, 3DNow! Professional technology, and hardware data pre-fetch. Price is US$103 in 1,000-unit quantities. [1210.25] [1559]
November
  • Corel releases the CorelDraw 10 and Photo-Paint 10 software for the Mac OS X. [2226.18]
  • Sony announces the Sony Clie PEG-T600C handheld computer in Japan. It features 33 MHz Dragonball processor, Palm OS v4.1, 8 MB RAM, Memory Stick slot, 2.8-inch diagonal 320x320 pixel 16-bit color display, infrared port. Price is about 40,000 yen (US$325). [1559]
  • Microsoft releases the DirectX 8.1 software. This version supports Windows XP, and introduces pixel shader version 1.4. [1774.49]
November (month)
  • Top selling computer game in Japan for the month: Gundam Tactics. [2534.26]
(month unknown)
  • Intel demonstrates a 3.5 GHz processor. [1278.109]
  • Seagate announces it has created an experimental desktop personal computer hard drive with areal density of 100 GB per square inch. [1648.42]
  • Compaq Computer releases the iPAQ H3850 handheld computer. It features PocketPC 2002 operating system, Secure Digital disk slot, 65,636-color screen, docking cradle. Price is US$599; weight is 5.7 ounces. [1842.62]
  • Palm introduces the Palm i705 handheld computer. It features monochrome 160x160 pixel display, SecureDigital slot, MultiMedia Card slot, 33 MHz Motorola Dragonball VZ processor, 8 MB RAM, and optional mini-keyboard for US$49. Price is about US$450; weight is 5.4 ounces; size is 4.7 x 3.1 x 0.6 inches. [1256.56] [1548.26]
December 2
  • The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Simpsons TV show in the US. Two computers appear among stolen items; one appears to be an Apple Computer. [2081]
December 5
  • The US Federal Trade Commission issues a statement saying the games industry has "made substantial progress in ending the marketing of violent content to children". [2162.28]
December 12
  • The Fox Broadcasting Company airs The Fairly Oddparents TV show in the US.
    • Santa's computer says "You've got magic!", a reference to the America Online software saying "You've got mail".
    • A personal computer appears among Christmas presents.
    • A portable computer is used to send a message via the Internet.
    • Santa Claus' assistant uses a personal computer to record that a child is getting coal.
    • Santa's computer says "You've got coal".
    [2277]
December
  • The US Government relaxes its supercomputer export restriction, from a ceiling of 85,000 millions of theoretical operations per second to 195,000 for Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Vietnam, and middle-east countries. [1712.22]
  • Microsoft files a lawsuit against Lindows, claiming the Lindows name infringes on Microsoft's registered trademark on the Windows word. [1495.7]
  • Intel unveils plans for the Intel TeraHertz transistor, allowing up to one billion transistors on a chip by 2005. [1278.108] [1283.21]
Year
  • Total shipments of handheld computers worldwide during the year: 13 million. [1559] [1784.86]
  • Software shipments in North America on DVD: 364.4 million units. [1608.12]
  • Global software piracy rates: Canada 38%. [1434.1]
  • Current installed base of personal computers in the US: 182 million. [1897.132]
  • Percent of US households with a personal computer: 61%. [1559]
  • Shipments of Apple Computer iMac computers worldwide during the year: 1.2 million. [1559]
  • Unit shipments of personal computers worldwide during the year: 124-134 million. [1256.7] [1276.29] [1559]
  • Unit shipments of personal computers in the US during the year: 44-46 million. [1256.29] [1276.29] [1559]
  • Unit shipments of personal computers worldwide during the year: Dell Computer 17.0 million, Compaq Computer 14.4 million, Hewlett-Packard 9.3 million, IBM 8.2 million, NEC 4.9 million, Toshiba 3.7 million. [1469.27]
  • Market share of personal computers worldwide during the year: Dell Computer 13.2%, Compaq Computer 11.1%, Hewlett-Packard 7.2%, IBM 6.4%, NEC 3.8%, Toshiba 2.8%. [1469.27] [1559]
  • Market share of personal computers in the US: Dell 25%, Compaq Computer 12%, Hewlett-Packard 9%, Gateway 8%, IBM 6%, others 41%. [1256.8]
  • Market share of personal computer processors during the year: Intel 78.7%, Advanced Micro Devices 20.2-22%. [1559] [2087.66]
  • Market share of Windows-based personal computer processors in the world during the year: Advanced Micro Devices 18%. [1559]
  • Market share of x86 processors in the world during the year: Advanced Micro Devices 14.8%. [1559]
  • Market share of desktop personal computer processors worldwide during the year: Advanced Micro Devices 22%. [1559]
  • Unit shipments of handheld computers worldwide during the year: 13-16.4 million. [1827.20] [1831.20] [1559]
  • Unit shipments of handheld computers worldwide during the year: Palm 5.1 million, Hewlett-Packard 2.2 million. [1559]
  • Unit shipments of handheld computers in the U.S. during the year: 4.9 million. [1559]
  • Market share of handheld computer shipments in the U.S. during the year: Palm 58%, Handspring 15%, Compaq Computer 7%, Hewlett-Packard 5%, Sony under 6%. [1559]
  • Unit shipments of IBM WorkPad computers during the year: 180,900. [1559]

End of 2001. Next: 2002.

vvv advertisement vvv

^^^ advertisement ^^^

1947-1968 1969-1971 1972-1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981
1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008-2009 2010-end


A list of references to all source material is available.


Last updated: 2023 October 25.
Copyright © 1995-2024 Ken Polsson (email: ken@kpolsson.com).
URL: http://kpolsson.com/comphist/
Link to Ken P's home page.

vvv advertisement vvv

^^^ advertisement ^^^
History Timelines Postage Stamps Today in History
PCs Video Games Timeline Today
Amiga World Silly This Day
Apple Space Coins Sports
Commodore 64 Impacts Corvettes Disney
Processors Sports Cruise Ships USA
Corvettes Gambling Disney Music
World War II Weather Errors PC and Game
Sweden Earthquakes Novelties TV and Movies
A&W USA Births Finder Anniversaries
A&W Canada Deaths
Postage Stamps Dow Jones Coins Chevrolet Corvettes
Walt Disney Co. Television Timeline: Canada Timeline
Disneyland Cruise Ships Timeline: USA Racing Success
Walt Disney World Oak Island Timeline: World On Stamps
Disney Cruise Line Killing JFK Novelties Pop Culture
Canada coins On Stamps
USA coins Other
World coins Mug Shots(A&W)
Stuff For Sale

Privacy Policy

kpolsson.com does not collect or share personal information. I have better things to do. There are links to advertiser sites that are beyond my control, from which I may receive a placement fee or a sale commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.