What would you think is the first ‘personal computer’? I’m sure a lot of folks would say the Apple II, or at least would suggest Apple as having created a very early computer. Maybe if you know some computer history, you might suggest the Altair 8800, MITS’ groundbreaking offering from 1975. Folks really deep in the weeds might say the Kenbak-1 from 1971, a discrete logic hobby computer that sold low numbers. But… did you know about attempts earlier than that? And what even is a ‘personal computer’ anyway? A whole year in the making… prepare to get navel gaze-y on this episode of the Memory Machine!
Follow Jason Dyer on Bluesky, and please, for the love of SCELBI, read his blog.
You can follow Nate on Bluesky and Instagram. Patronize his new business, Lockhart Electronics!
Check out Kate Willaert on Bluesky, and watch her amazing YouTube channel, A Critical Hit!
Listen to Alex Smith’s podcast They Create Worlds, and check out the book of the same name!
Follow Ethan Johnson on Bluesky, and be on the lookout for his new book on Sega/Gremlin coming out soon! Also, check out his amazing YouTube series, and his incredible blog.
F_T_B can be found on Bluesky, and if you have any interest in Japanese computer obscura, you must watch his YouTube series.
Dale doesn’t have a book or a YouTube series, or a podcast, but he should. Follow him on Bluesky!
The Memory Machine Podcast 