Dinosaur Sightings: Computers from the 1970s

During the disco days of the 1970s, personal computers moved out of the electronic hobbyist's garage or basement and into the office, classroom, and family den. This gallery showcases several 1970-era machines from Steven Stengel's vintage computer collection. Steven has graciously allowed us to republish his photos and descriptions. You can find a much more detailed description of each machine and additional photos of Steven's collection on his Web site www.oldcomputers.net.

MSAI 8080

Built by IMS Associates, Inc. of San Leandro, California, the IMSAI 8080 is one of the first consumer computers available.

IBM 5100 Portable PC

The Model 5100 is IBM's first microcomputer, i.e. not a mainframe, and is also considered the world's first portable computer. Although at 55-pounds, it might best be described as "self-contained" rather than "portable".

MOS KIM-1

The KIM-1 (Keyboard Input Monitor) microcomputer is the grand-daddy of all 6502 microprocessors systems. It was originally created by MOS Technology, the inventor of the 6502 microprocessor, as a way to demonstrate the power of the 6502 to the industrial community.

Processor Technology Sol-20 Terminal Computer (1 of 3)

Named for "The wisdom of Solomon", or possibly Popular Electronics magazine editor Les Solomon, since the Sol-20 made its first appearance on the cover of that magazine.

Processor Technology Sol-20 Terminal Computer (2 of 3)

Processor Technology Sol-20 Terminal Computer (3 of 3)

Rockwell AIM 65 (1 of 2)

Numerous different cases were available for the AIM 65, two of which are shown here. The black case seen here is a two piece, inexpensive plastic molded case.