In 1982, PC Magazine was born at a crucial time in the history of computing: right as microprocessors were expanding from 8-bit to 16-bit architecture, and computers were changing from consumer novelties to business essentials. So to commemorate our 40th anniversary, we couldn't resist looking back at the PCs that had the greatest impact and to be honest, narrowing the list down to a mere 20 was no small feat.
Yes, we know: The first entry in this list is a cheat, as the IBM PC (released in August 1981) predates our first issue (February-March 1982). We also know the IBM PC was no more the first personal computer than ours was the first computer magazine-the MITS Altair 8800 kit reached hobbyists in 1975, with the Apple II narrowly beating the Radio Shack TRS-80 to market in 1977.
Nonetheless, we owe our existence to that first IBM PC, so it's only natural for us to start there. Read on to celebrate our shared history and see what else makes the list.
1981: IBM PC MODEL 5150
IBM doesn't make low-profit-margin commodity products, which is why it sold its PC business to Lenovo in 2005 after losing nearly a billion dollars on it in the four years preceding. But PCs weren't commodities in 1981-buyers of the Model 5150 paid $1,565 for a unit with 16K of RAM, no monitor (you connected a TV set), and no disk drives (it used TRS-80-style cassette tape storage). A loaded system with 64K of memory, one floppy drive, and a monochrome monitor cost about $3,000.
この記事は PC Magazine の June 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は PC Magazine の June 2022 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
AUDIO
AUDIO
SMART HOME
SMART HOME
T Mobile
Mobile
Lenovo Legion 5 Pro Gen 7 (2022): Nearly an Editors' Choice
A solid gaming laptop for under 2,000
Apple TV 4K 3rd Generation): Best for the Apple-Centric
A powerful, feature-rich media streamer that’s pricier than most
20 Tips for Leveling Up Your Work-at-Home Game
Whether you're new to working remotely or just looking fo do if beffer, fhese fips can help you stay productive and maintain balance.
12 Google Calendar Tricks You're Probably Not Using
Wondering how to share your Google Calendar? Want to add a new calendar? Here are the tips you need.
SimpliSafe Home Security System: Affordable Ease of Use
Affordable security with a focus on flexibility
Honda Unveils First All-Electric SUV, Built on GM's Battery Platform
The Honda Prologue battery-electric SUV arrives in 2024 and will use the Ultium battery technology developed by General Motors.
We Must Save Streaming Video Before It’s Too Late
A generation of art risks extinction if the companies that own streaming services don’t believe their vast libraries are worth preserving. We have to act now to save it.