1982

• The US Justice Department throws out the antitrust lawsuit filed against IBM 13 years ago.
• The 1982 Winter Consumer Electronics Show is held in Las Vegas, Nevada.
• Commodore introduces the Commodore Ultimax, for US$150.
• Kazuhiko Nishi, Mocrosoft's representative in Japan, shows Bill Gates a drawing of a prototype for a portable computer, using a new liquid crystal display developed by Hitachi. Gates and Nishi begin designing the details of the computer, which Kyocera Corporation in Japan had agreed to manufacture.
• Commodore announces the Commodore 64 (6510, 64KB RAM, 20KB ROM with Microsoft BASIC, custom sound, color graphics, for US$600) for US$595. During 1983, the price drops to US$200. It becomes the best selling computer of all time, with estimated sales of 17-22 million units. It is the first personal computer with an integrated sound synthesizer chip.
• Commodore introduces the 16K SuperVIC.
• Commodore introduces the VIC Modem, a 300 baud cartridge modem for US$110.
• Texas Instruments introduces a peripheral expansion unit for the TI-99/4, for US$250.
• Astrovision introduces the ZGrass-32 personal computer add-on to the Astro Professional Arcade, for US$600. It uses a Z-80 CPU.
• Toshiba America previews its first personal computer, the Model T-100. It uses a Z-80A, supports up to 32KB RAM and 32KB ROM in cartridges.
• GRiD Systems introduced the first laptop, the GRiD Compass (Oct.).
• In the first 10 months of sale, 250,000 Sinclair ZX81 microcomputers have been delivered.
• Sharp introduces the Sharp PC-1500 Hand Held Personal Computer. It comes with 16KB ROM, and 3.5KB RAM. Price for computer is US$300. Price for tiny color graphics printer that attaches to the side, US$250.
• Atari begins shipping all Atari 800 units with GTIA graphics chips, allowing three more graphics modes than previously.
• Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Model 16. It uses a 16-bit Motorola MC68000 microprocessor, a Z-80 microprocessor, 8-inch floppy drives, and optional 8-MB hard drive.
• Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Pocket Computer, Model PC-2, for US$280. It uses a 1.3-MHz 8-bit microprocessor, and has a 26-character display, with upper and lower case characters. It comes with 16KB ROM, and 2.6KB RAM, expandable to 16KB. An optional 4-color printer attaches to the side.
• Davong Systems Incorporated is formed.
• Casio introduces the FX-9000P microcomputer. It uses a 2.75-MHz processor, 12KB ROM, 4KB RAM (expandable to 32KB), built-in 32x16 character (256x128 graphics) monochrome monitor, for US$1200.
• The Tabor company is established, for creating disk drives.
• Epson introduces the KX-1 desktop computer in Japan.
• Microsoft signs an agreement with Apple Computer, for Microsoft to develop applications for the Macintosh.

• Sinclair Research and Times Corporation reach a licensing agreement for Timex to manufacture and market Sinclair personal computers in North America.
• IBM splits its Personal Computer development team into three groups: one to work on the PC XT, one to develop the PCjr, and one to start work on the PC AT.
• Compaq Computer Corporation is founded by Rod Canion, Jim Harris, and Bill Murto, all former senior managers of Texas Instruments.
• Intel introduces the 6-MHz 80286 microprocessor. It uses a 16-bit data bus, 134,000 transistors (1.5 microns), and offers protected mode operation. Initial price is US$360 each, in quantities of 100. It can access 16 MB of memory, or 1 GB of virtual memory. Speed is 0.9 MIPS. Later versions operated at 10-MHz (1.5 MIPS), and 12-MHz (2.66 MIPS).
• Sun Microsystems is founded.

• Apple Computer ships Apple LOGO, supplied by Logo Computer Systems of Canada.
• Microsoft releases FORTRAN for MS-DOS.
• Coprocessors Inc. introduces the 88-Card, a plug-in card for the Apple II, with 64KB RAM and an Intel 8088 microprocessor.
• Non-Linear Systems introduces the Kaycomp II for US$1800. It features dual 5.25-inch floppy drives, Z-80 processor, CP/M, and a 9-inch 80-column monochrome screen.
• Xebec introduces a 5MB hard disk and controller kit for Apple or CP/M computers, for US$1300.
• Xedex Corp. introduces the Baby Blue card (a Z80B processor on a plug-in card), allowing the IBM PC to run standard CP/M programs. Price: US$600.

• Mitch Kapor founds Lotus Development Corporation.
• Microsoft establishes a subsidiary company in England.
• Eight months after the introduction of the IBM PC, 50,000 units have been sold.
• Sinclair Research introduces the Sinclair ZX Spectrum in the UK.
• Kazuhiko Nishi shows a prototype portable computer to Tandy/Radio Shack. Tandy makes a committment to market the computer.
• IBM first offers CP/M-86 for the IBM PC.
• Commodore announces the B (700) and P (500) series of microcomputers. They feature 6509 CPU, 64KB RAM expandable to 256KB, 28KB ROM with OS and BASIC, 80x25 green phosphor monitor, 94-key keyboard, twin 5 1/4-inch floppy disk drives, several I/O ports, for US$1700-3000.

• Future Computing Inc. quote: "CP/M 2.2 is extremely important, and the Z80 chip will live forever because of it."
• Eagle Computer is incorporated.
• Vector Graphic hires Frederick Snow as new president and CEO.
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 1.1 to IBM, for the IBM PC. It supports 320KB double-sided floppy disk drives. Microsoft also releases MS-DOS 1.25, similar to 1.1 but for IBM-compatible computers.
• Digital Research releases the MP/M II v2.1 operating system.
• Timex Computer Corp. and Sinclair Research Ltd. announce an agreement for Timex to market a 2KB version of the ZX-81 as the Timex/Sinclair 1000.

• Dynalogic introduces the Hyperion microcomputer at the Spring COMDEX in Atlantic City. The Hyperion is the first IBM-compatible portable microcomputer.
• The National Computer Conference is held in Houston, Texas.
• Epson shows a working prototype computer called the "Rising Star". It is later introduced as the QX-10.
• Coleco announces the ColecoVision video game system.
• Sony Electronics demonstrates its 3.5 inch microfloppy disk system.
• The first IBM PC clone, the MPC, is released by Columbia Data Products.
• Olivetti introduces the M20 microcomputer, with Z8001 processor.
• Epson America, Inc. announces the HX-20 (HC-20 in Japan), a notebook-sized computer. It weighs only 3 pounds, and is reported to run on internal batteries for up to 50 hours. It includes 16KB RAM, 32KB ROM, a full-size keyboard, built-in printer, and 20x4 character LCD screen.
• Cromemco Inc. announces the C-10 personal computer. It uses a 4-MHz Z-80A, 64KB RAM, and 80x25 screen, for US$1000.
• Wang Labratories Ltd. introduces the Wang Professional Computer, for US$2700.
• Commodore Business Machines Inc. introduces the Commodore Max Machine. It has 16-color 40x25 screen capability, for US$180.
• Commodore Business Machines introduces the BX256 16-bit multiprocessor professional microcomputer. It includes 256KB RAM, Intel 8088 for CP/M-86, 6509 CPU, 80-column B/W monitor, built-in dual disk drives, and 3-voice sound for US$3000.
• Commodore Business Machines introduces the B128 microcomputer. It features 128KB RAM, 40KB ROM, 6509 CPU, 5.25-inch floppy drive, 3-voice sound chip, cartridge slot, and an 80-column green screen, for US$1700.
• Commodore Business Machines introduces the P128 microcomputer. It features 128KB RAM, TV connector, 40x25 16-color display, and 320x200 graphics, for US$1000.
• Lobo Drives International introduces the Lobo MAX-80 personal computer. It features a 5-MHz Z80 processor, 64KB RAM, serial/parallel ports, interfaces for 5.25-inch and 8-inch floppy drives, hard drive interface, TRS-80 bus slot, CP/M, optional LDOS for TRS-80 emulation, monochrome graphics, and keyboard, for US$800-1000.
• Altos Computer Systems announces the ACS8600.
• Toshiba America introducess its Toshiba T100 personal computer.
• Intel announces the 80186 microprocessor.
• Digital Equipment announces the dual-processor Rainbow 100. It incorporates both Zilog Z-80 and Intel 8088 microprocessors, allowing it to run CP/M as well as CP/M-86 or MS-DOS. Prices start at US$3000.

• Bill Gates hires James Towne, a manager from Tektronix, as first president of Microsoft.
• Boston's Computer Museum, devoted to documenting and displaying the evolution of computer technology, is incorporated.
• Timex Computer Corp. begins selling the Timex Sinclair 1000 through over 1000 Timex retail outlets.
• Apple Computer releases the Apple Dot Matrix Printer, for US$700. It is a modified C.Itoh printer.

• Sinclair Research reports that it has shipped 500,000 ZX81 personal computers in over 30 countries.
• IBM ships the 200,000th IBM PC.
• Microsoft releases Multiplan for the Apple II and the Osborne I.
• Hercules announces the Hercules Graphics Card (HGC or HGA), with monochrome graphics at 720x348 resolution.

• Iomega begins production of the Alpha 10, a 10MB 8-inch floppy-disk drive using Bernoulli technology.
• On-Line Systems changes its name to Sierra On-Line.

• 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.
• IBM begins marketing Microsoft Multiplan for the IBM PC.

• Dynalogic again demonstrates its Hyperion portable computer, at Toronto's Canadian Computer Show.
• Dynalogic demonstrates a dozen Hyperion portable computers at the fall COMDEX in Las Vegas.
• Drivetec announces the Drivetec 320 Superminifloppy, offering 3.33MB unformatted capacity on a 5.25-inch drive.
• Lotus Development announces the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet program at Comdex in Las Vegas.
• Franklin shows off a prototype of the Franklin Ace 1200, an Apple II compatible, at Comdex.
• VisiCorp announces the VisiOn graphical user interface at the Fall 1982 Comdex.
• Compaq Computer introduces the Compaq Portable PC: 4.77MHz 8088, 128KB RAM, 9-inch monochrome monitor, one 320KB 5.25-inch disk drive, price US$3000. It cost Compaq US$1 million to create an IBM-compatible ROM BIOS that did not violate IBM's copyright.
• Satellite Software International introduces the WordPerfect word processing program.

• Tabor demonstrates a 3.25-inch floppy disk drive, the Model TC500 Drivette. Unformatted capacity is up to 500KB on a single side.
• 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.
• Satellite Software International ships WordPerfect 2.0 for DOS, for US$500.
• The IEEE Standards Board passes the IEEE 696/S-100 bus standard.
• Digital Research announces CP/M+.
• Apple Computer becomes the first personal computer company to reach US$1 billion in annual sales.

• Microsoft releases GW-BASIC, with advanced graphics capabilities.

• Microsoft releases Microsoft COBOL for MS-DOS.

• IBM releases Digital Research's CP/M-86 for the IBM PC.

• Microsoft ships its Multiplan spreadsheet program to IBM for testing and marketing for the IBM PC.

• Microsoft receives its first Macintosh prototype from Apple, for use in developing software for the machine.

• General Consumer Electronics introduces the Vectrex, the first home gaming system with a built-in 9-inch monochrome vector monitor. It uses a Motorola 68A09 processor. Price: US$200.

• Matsushita introduces the National Mybrain 3000 microcomputer. It features an 8088 processor, 96KB RAM, 32KB video RAM, 640x400 graphics, choice of 3-inch, 5.25-inch, and 8-inch floppy drives, and operates MS-DOS and CP/M-86.

• Mitsubishi introduces the Multi 16 microcomputer. It features an 8088 processor, 128KB RAM, 640x400 graphics, 300KB 5.25-inch floppy, and CP/M-86.

• Toshiba introduces the Pasopia 16 (T300 in the United States). It features an 8088 processor, optional 8087 math coprocessor, 192KB RAM, 4KB ROM, MS-DOS, 320KB 5.25-inch floppy, and up to 640x560 graphics.

• Toshiba introduces the Tosbac UX-300. It features a Toshiba 88000 processor, 512KB RAM, 1MB 8-inch floppy drive, 10MB hard drive, and runs Unix, for US$9300.

• NEC introduces the Advanced Personal Computer (N5200 in Japan). It features a 5-MHz NEC PD8086 microprocessor, single or dual 1.2MB 8-inch disk drives, 128KB RAM, monochrome or color 12-inch monitor, 80x25 text, 640x475 graphics, and supports CP/M-86 or MS-DOS.

• Symantec is formed.

• NEC introduces the NEC PC-9800. It features an Intel 8086 microprocessor, 128KB RAM, 96KB ROM with NBASIC-86, 640x400 graphics, various floppy drives, and MS-DOS or CP/M-86.

• Hitachi introduces the BASIC Master 16000 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8088 microprocessor, MS-DOS, 320KB RAM, 640x400 graphics, and two 320KB 5.25-inch floppy drives.

• Hitachi introduces the PT-1 Personal Terminal. It features MS-DOS, 720x520 graphics, and two 1MB 8-inch floppy drives.

• At the National Association of Music Manufacturers convention, a group of electronic music companies agree to establish a set of digital transmission standards for electronic music. A year later, MIDI is born.

• Sanyo introduces the MBC-55 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8088 microprocessor, 160KB 5.25-inch floppy drive, 64KB RAM, optional Intel 8087 math coprocessor, and choice of CP/M-86, Concurrent CP/M-86, or MS-DOS.

• 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.

• Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP75C portable computer.

• Anritsu introduces the Anritsu Packet II microcomputer. It features a Motorola 68000 microprocessor, two 150KB 5.25-inch floppy drives, and 256KB RAM.

• Matsushita introduces the National JR-200 personal computer. It features a 6802 microprocessor, 16KB ROM, and 32KB RAM.

• Matsushita introduces the National JR-100 personal computer. It features a 6802 microprocessor, 8KB ROM, and 16KB RAM.

• Matsushita introduces the Tomy 16-bit Graphics Computer. It features a TMS 9995 microprocessor.

• Sord introduces the M5 microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 8KB ROM, 4KB RAM, and 16KB graphics RAM.

• Sanyo introduces the PHC-25 microcomputer. It features 24KB ROM with BASIC, and 22KB RAM.

• AI Electronics introduces the AI-M16 microcomputer. It features an Intel 8086 microprocessor, Intel 8089 I/O processor, optional Intel 8087 math coprocessor, 256KB RAM, and support for various operating systems.

• Corvus Systems introduces the Corvus Concept microcomputer. It uses aMotorola 68000 processor, 256KB RAM, 120x66 character (560x720 graphics) B/W display, for US$5000.

• 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, 256KB RAM, RMX/86 operating system, and 512x480 color graphics.

• Advanced Micro Devices and Intel sign a 10-year technology exchange agreement centering on Intel's x86 microprocessor architecture.

• Seiko introduces the 8600, using an Intel 8086 microprocessor.

• Sharp introduces the Sharp X1 microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 64KB RAM, 4KB video RAM, cassette-tape recorder, printer interface, dual joystick interface, sound synthesizer, 80x25 text, and dual 5.25-inch floppy drives.

• Sony introduces the SMC-70 microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, two 3.5-inch drives, and optional Intel 8086 microprocessor add-on unit.

• Aval introduces the AVC-777J2 portable microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 64KB RAM, 16KB video RAM, CP/M 2.2, 5-inch monochrome monitor, two 600KB 5.25-inch floppy drives, 5-inch thermal printer, and parallel/serial ports. It weighs 27.5 pounds.

• Aval introduces the AVC-666 microcomputer. It is like the AVC-777J2, but without a monitor and printer.

• Sord introduces the M23P portable microcomputer. It features a Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 128KB RAM, 80x8 LCD display, dual 290KB 3.5-inch disk drives, and weighs 19.8 pounds.

• Milton Bradley buys General Consumer Electronics.

• Mattel introduces the Intellivision II.

• An insurance company contracts with programmer Wilton Jones to create a PC word processing program that mimicks Wang word processing. That program becomes MultiMate.

• Astrovision renames the Bally Computer System as the Astrocade.

• Victor Business Products releases the Victor 9000 microcomputer. It features 128KB RAM, two 612KB 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.

• Vector Graphic introduces the Vector 4 system, leaving them with US$3 million in stock of the Vector 3 system.

• Franklin Computer Corp. unveils the Franklin Ace 1000, the first legal (at the time) Apple II clone. It uses a 1.022 MHz 6502 CPU, and comes with 64KB RAM.

• Andrew Fluegelman begins distributing his PC-Talk communications software, the first copyrighted program distributed as shareware.

• General Videotex Corporation begins the Delphi online service.

• Robert Lissner begins work on Apple Pie, which would be marketed by Apple Computer as AppleWorks for the Apple II.

• Businessland opens.

• Jack Tramiel resigns from Commodore Business Machines, but later takes his position back.

• At the West Coast Computer Faire, Davong Systems introduces its 5MB Winchester Disk Drive for the IBM PC, for US$2000.

• John Warnock founds Adobe Systems.

• In the first 8 months since its introduction, 11,000 Osborne 1 computers ship.

• Personal Software changes its name to VisiCorp.

• Mouse Systems Corporation is founded.

• Mouse Systems introduces the first commercial mouse for the IBM PC.

• Apple Computer announces the Lisa computer to the press.

• Sanyo introduces the PHC-8000 hand-held computer. It features a NSC-800 CMOS microprocessor, 24KB ROM, 4KB RAM, one-line LCD screen, optional I/O unit PHC-8010 allows connection to video monitor and microcassette recorder and adds 14KB ROM and 22KB RAM.

• Toshiba introduces the Pasopia Mini. It features an 8-bit CMOS microprocessor, 4KB RAM, 20KB ROM including 16KB BASIC, and a one-line LCD screen.

• NEC introduces the PC-2001 Hand-Held Computer. It features an 8-bit 4-MHz CMOS uPD7907 microprocessor, 36KB ROM, 16KB RAM, serial port, and 40x2 character LCD screen.

GO BACK