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.


1982

July 6
  • James Towne begins work as first president of Microsoft. [346.100] [1043.D2] [1299.198])
July 12
  • Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP-86 microcomputer. Price is US$1795. [1028.D7]
  • Hewlett-Packard introduces an upgraded HP-87 microcomputer, with increased memory. [1028.D7]
July
  • PC Connection is founded. [688.259]
  • Timex Computer begins selling the Timex Sinclair 1000 through over 1000 Timex retail outlets. Price is US$99.95. [288.10] [977.38] [1081.B2]
  • Apple Computer releases the Apple Dot Matrix Printer, for US$700. It is a modified C.Itoh printer. [46] (price US$2195 [1886.65])
July 22
  • Tangerine Computer Systems announces the Oric-1 microcomputer. [2608.15]
July 29
  • In Tokyo, Japan, Fujitsu announces the development of 100-nanosecond 64 kbit DRAM chips that are 15 percent smaller than current 64 kbit chips. [1051.D3]
(month unknown)
  • Dan Silva and others leave Xerox, to form Electronic Arts. [448.27]
  • Electronic Arts is founded. [241.75]
August 3
  • Texas Instruments issues a US$100 rebate on the TI 99/4A, effectively reducing the retail price to US$199. The rebate is effective from September 1 until next January 31. [713.267] [1062.D4]
August
  • 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] [930.72] (800,000 [782.11])
  • Microsoft releases the Multiplan spreadsheet software for the Apple II, Osborne I, and IBM PC. Initial name was Electronic Paper. [346.263] [1149.222] [1701.138]
  • Hercules Computer Technology announces the Hercules Graphics Card for the IBM PC, with monochrome graphics at 720x348 resolution. Price is US$499. [117] [120] (1983 [910.344])
  • Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP75C portable computer. It features a rechargeable battery pack, 16K RAM, 65 key keyboard, 1 line by 32 character LCD display, magnetic card reader, 48K ROM including BASIC interpreter, text editor, and scheduler. Size is is 11.1 x 6 x 1.1 inches; weight is 26 ounces; price is US$995. [624.184] [885.178] [1083.D4]

    vvv advertisement vvv

    ^^^ advertisement ^^^
  • Sid Meier delivers the completed Hellcat Ace game to Bill Steedy. The MicroProse company is born. [1068.8]
September 7
  • Victory Computer Systems is incorporated. [862.268]
  • In Federal District Court in San Francisco, Judge William Schwarzer awards Micropro International and Digital Research US$250,000 plus expenses from Data Equipment for copyright infringement. [1082.D5]
September
  • C. Itoh Electronics signs a long-term agreement to supply dot-matrix printers to Apple Computer. [1086.D5]
September 15
  • Texas Instruments and IBM enter a joint agreement for Texas Instruments to produce chips for cards for networking office machines with computers. (This will become IBM's Token Ring LAN.) [1087.D5]
September
  • David Morse and Jay Miner found Amiga Corporation. [1352.D1]
  • The Microfloppy Industry Committee proposes a 3 1/2-inch hard cartridge disk standard to the ANSI X3B8 committee on microfloppies. [885.168]
  • Iomega begins production of the Alpha 10, a 10 MB 8-inch floppy-disk drive using Bernoulli technology. [444.78]
  • On-Line Systems changes its name to Sierra On-Line. [353.362]
  • Commodore Business Machines begins shipping the Commodore 64. Suggested retail price is US$595. (Over 20 million are produced in its lifetime, the highest number for any single personal computer to at least October 1999.) [713.238,268] [1280] (August [2661.100])
  • At Microsoft, James Towne apponts Scott Oki as director of international operations. [1299.210]
(month unknown)
  • Victor Business Products releases the Victor 9000 microcomputer. It features 128 kB RAM, two 612 kB 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]
  • At Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey, freshmen in science and systems planning (management) are required to buy Atari 800 computers. [912.164]
  • Apple Computer sues Franklin Computer for copyright infringement of the operating system in the Apple II. [982.D5]
October
  • The Japan Data Show is held. [885.251]
  • In Japan, Toshiba introduces the Pasopia 16 (T300 in the United States). It features an 8088 processor, optional 8087 math coprocessor, 192 kB RAM, 4 kB ROM, MS-DOS, 320 kB 5.25-inch floppy, and up to 640x560 graphics. [447.113] [885.256]
  • In Japan, Sharp introduces the Sharp X1 microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 64 kB RAM, 4 kB video RAM, cassette-tape recorder, printer interface, dual joystick interface, sound synthesizer, 80x25 text, and dual 5.25-inch floppy drives. [447.118] [885.256]
  • In Japan, Sanyo introduces the MBC-55 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8088 microprocessor, 160 kB 5.25-inch floppy drive, 64 kB RAM, optional Intel 8087 math coprocessor, and choice of CP/M-86, Concurrent CP/M-86, or MS-DOS. [447.114] [885.256]
  • In Japan, Hitachi introduces the BASIC Master 16000 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8088 microprocessor, MS-DOS, 320 kB RAM, 640x400 graphics, and two 320 kB 5.25-inch floppy drives. [447.114] [885.256]
  • In Japan, Matsushita introduces the National Mybrain 3000 microcomputer. It features an 8088 processor, 96 kB RAM, 32 kB 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] [885.256]
  • 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 1
  • Access is incorporated. [2673.76]
November 4
  • Compaq Computer introduces the Compaq Portable PC, compatible with the IBM PC. It features 4.77 MHz 8088, 128 kB RAM, 9-inch monochrome monitor, one 320 kB 5.25-inch disk drive. Price is US$2995; weight is 28 pounds. It cost Compaq US$1 million to create an IBM-compatible ROM BIOS that did not violate IBM's copyright. The computer is expected to be availble in early 1983. [1] [108] [117] [346.263] [618.171] [1165.D5] [1256.141] [1298.188]
November 8
  • A New York Federal Court judge issues a temporary injunction against Commodore International, preventing the company from making and selling joysticks that are immitations of Atari joysticks. [1166.D4]
November 15
  • Atari signs an agreement with Nintendo for the world-wide license of Donkey Kong and Donkey Kong Junior video games for Atari home computers. [1187.D5]
November 16
  • Apple Computer' Steve Jobs writes to the president of McIntosh Laboratory seeking worldwide release for name "Macintosh" for use in computer industry. Lawyers for the company deny the request. [2605.87]
November
  • Money magazine features a picture of Microsoft chairman Bill Gates on its cover. [1149.231] [1299.250]
  • The Canadian Computer Show is held, in Toronto, Ontario. [615.177]
  • At the Canadian Computer Show, Dynalogic again demonstrates its Hyperion portable computer. [615.177]
  • Drivetec announces the Drivetec 320 Superminifloppy, offering 3.33 MB unformatted capacity on a 5.25-inch drive. [444.80]
  • Corporate head-hunter 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]
  • Satellite Software International introduces the WordPerfect word processing program for the IBM PC. [330.108] (October [502.49])
  • The COMDEX trade show is held in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over 1000 companies and over 50,000 people. [862.268] [1149.229] [1303.37] [1662.D2]
  • At the COMDEX show, Franklin Computer shows off a prototype of the Franklin Ace 1200, an Apple II compatible. [529.196]
  • At the COMDEX show, Visicorp announces the VisiOn graphical user interface for the IBM PC. It is the first graphical windowing environment that can run multiple applications on MS-DOS. Price is US$299. Code-name of the product was Quasar. [346.176] [477.158] [909.228,236] [1149.251] [1299.219] [1303.37]
  • At the COMDEX show, Lotus Development announces the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet program for the IBM PC. Price is US$495. [41] [346.111] [1149.229] [1303.37] (October [9])
  • At the COMDEX show, Dynalogic demonstrates a dozen Hyperion portable computers. [615.177]
  • At the COMDEX show, Victory Computer Systems announces the Victory Spirit series of computers, using Intel 80186 processors and Digital Research's operating systems. [862.268]
(month unknown)
  • Mitsubishi introduces the Multi 16 microcomputer. It features an 8088 processor, 128 kB RAM, 640x400 graphics, 300 kB 5.25-inch floppy, and CP/M-86. [447.112]
  • 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]
  • NEC introduces the NEC PC-9800. It features an Intel 8086 microprocessor, 128 kB RAM, 96 kB ROM with NBASIC-86, 640x400 graphics, various floppy drives, and MS-DOS or CP/M-86. [447.113]
  • NEC introduces the Advanced Personal Computer (N5200 in Japan). It features a 5 MHz NEC PD8086 microprocessor, single or dual 1.2 MB 8-inch disk drives, 128 kB RAM, monochrome or color 12-inch monitor, 80x25 text, 640x475 graphics, and supports CP/M-86 or MS-DOS. [447.113] (1983 [461.280])
  • NEC introduces the PC-2001 Hand-Held Computer. It features an 8-bit 4 MHz CMOS uPD7907 microprocessor, 36 kB ROM, 16 kB RAM, serial port, and 40x2 character LCD screen. [447.125]
  • Sanyo introduces the PHC-8000 handheld computer. It features a NSC-800 CMOS microprocessor, 24 kB ROM, 4 kB RAM, one-line LCD screen, optional I/O unit PHC-8010 allows connection to video monitor and microcassette recorder and adds 14 kB ROM and 22 kB RAM. [447.125]
  • Toshiba introduces the Pasopia Mini. It features an 8-bit CMOS microprocessor, 4 kB RAM, 20 kB ROM including 16 kB BASIC, and a one-line LCD screen. [447.125]
  • Hitachi introduces the PT-1 Personal Terminal. It features MS-DOS, 720x520 graphics, and two 1 MB 8-inch floppy drives. [447.114]
  • Anritsu introduces the Anritsu Packet II microcomputer. It features a Motorola 68000 microprocessor, two 150 kB 5.25-inch floppy drives, and 256 kB RAM. [447.116]
  • Matsushita introduces the National JR-200 personal computer. It features a 6802 microprocessor, 16 kB ROM, and 32 kB RAM. [447.124]
  • Matsushita introduces the National JR-100 personal computer. It features a 6802 microprocessor, 8 kB ROM, and 16 kB RAM. [447.124]
  • Matsushita introduces the Tomy 16-bit Graphics Computer. It features a TMS 9995 microprocessor. [447.124]
  • Sord introduces the M5 microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 8 kB ROM, 4 kB RAM, and 16 kB graphics RAM. [447.124]
  • Sanyo introduces the PHC-25 microcomputer. It features 24 kB ROM with BASIC, and 22 kB RAM. [447.124]
  • AI Electronics introduces the AI-M16 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8086 microprocessor, Intel 8089 I/O processor, optional Intel 8087 math coprocessor, 256 kB RAM, and support for various operating systems. [447.116]
  • 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, 256 kB RAM, RMX/86 operating system, and 512x480 color graphics. [447.118]
  • Seiko introduces the 8600 microcomputer, using an Intel 8086 microprocessor. [447.118]
  • Aval introduces the AVC-777J2 portable microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 64 kB RAM, 16 kB video RAM, CP/M 2.2, 5-inch monochrome monitor, two 600 kB 5.25-inch floppy drives, 5-inch thermal printer, and parallel/serial ports. It weighs 27.5 pounds. [447.122]
  • Aval introduces the AVC-666 microcomputer. It is like the AVC-777J2, but without a monitor and printer. [447.122]
  • Sord introduces the M23P portable microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 128 kB RAM, 80x8 LCD display, dual 290 kB 3.5-inch disk drives, and weighs 19.8 pounds. [447.12]]
  • Wang Laboratories ships the Wang Professional Computer. It features an 8 MHz 8086 processor, 128 kB RAM expandable to 640 kB, five expansion slots, parallel and serial ports, 101-key keyboard, 12-inch green monochrome monitor with 800x300 graphics or 80x24 text, one 5.25-inch 360 kB floppy drive, MS-DOS 2, and MS-BASIC. Price is US$3265. Price with 10 MB hard drive: US$5650. [910.362]
December 8
  • Warner Communications announces that fourth quarter earnings would be poor, due to sluggish sales in its Atari video games division. [972.F6] [976.D8]
December 13
  • Atari introduces the 1200XL home computer, with 64 kB RAM, and 256 color capability. Price: US$900-1000. [300.46] [1305.D4] [1322.D4] [1343.236]
December
  • Steve Jobs and Mike Markkula meet with Pepsi-Cola president John Sculley, discussing the possibility of him heading Apple Computer. Sculley says he is not interested. [745.62] [930.77]
  • Tabor demonstrates a 3.25-inch floppy disk drive, the Model TC500 Drivette. Unformatted capacity is up to 500 kB 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]
  • Japan installed base of business computers: NEC 34.3%, Sord 9.6%, Fujitsu 11.8%, Sharp 7.8%. [885.256]
December 22
  • IBM announces it will acquire 12 percent of Intel shares for US$250 million. [606.60] [1016.D2] [1020.D10] [1663.A1]
December
  • Time magazine (January 3 issue) hails the computer as its "Machine of the Year". [9] [46] [346.264] [606.28] [930.11] [1149.230] [1306.A14] [1664.D12]
  • Barry Deutsch of Steinhilber, Deutsch, and Gard designs the logo for Electronic Arts (a cube, sphere, and tetrahedron). [241.76]
December 31
  • Shipments of Commodore VIC-20 computers to date: 750,000. [444.494] (600,000 [447.458])
  • Shipments of Timex Timex/Sinclair 1000 computers to date: 600,000. [444.494] (750,000 [447.458]) (500,000 [977.38])
  • Shipments of Texas Instruments TI 99/4 computers to date: 575,000. [444.494] (600,000 [447.458])
December (month)
  • Shipments of Apple Computer Apple II computers during the month: 45,000. [1017.D6]
  • Shipments of Apple Computer Apple III computers during the month: 5,000. [1017.D6]
Year
  • During the year, Computerland opened over 100 new stores, bringing the total to 318 stores worldwide. [1702.167]
  • Apple Computer becomes the first personal computer company to reach US$1 billion in annual sales. [46] [1559] [1886.65] [2605.64]
  • Shipments of IBM PC computers during the year: 150,000-180,000. [444.493] [997.D5] [1702.157]
  • Shipments of Tandy computers during the year: 215,000. [997.D5]
  • Sales of home computers in the United States: 2 million. [977.29] [1018.D2] (1 million [1])
  • Shipments of personal computers worldwide during the year: 2.8 million, worth US$5 billion. [1559] (1.4 million [1]) (4.8 million [1256.7])
  • Unit sales of home computers during the year: 2.2 million. [1189.D1]
  • Market share of personal computers for the year: IBM 18.8%. [902.136]
  • Sales of Apple II computers for the year: 300,000 units, totaling US$600 million revenue. 750,000 Apple II systems have been shipped in total, of which 45,000 are Apple II Plus computers. [444.493] [930.11] [862.494] [997.D5] (600,000 Apple II systems to date [444.494])

End of 1982. Next: 1983.

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.