Some of us have gone through so many computers that we’ve forgotten our early machines. While others just weren’t around yet to experience the Apple III, Sol-20, or Atari Portfolio. Continue reading to see them all — inspired by Designfloat.

1. Apple III

Think of the Apple III, code-named “Sara” and released in 1980 for $7800, as an upgraded Apple II. It was largely considered a failure due to stability issues, which prompted a recall and its discontinuation in 1984. On the inside, you’ll find a 1.8-MHz SynerTek 6502B 8-bit processor, up to 512KB of memory, and 6-bit (DAC) audio.

2. Commodore 128D

Released in 1985, the Commodore 128D was the last home and work machine commercially released by the company. Unlike the C64, this model featured 128KB of RAM, main 8502 CPU, secondary Zilog Z80 processor, and three operating modes: C128, CP/M, and C64. The Commodore 128 was discontinued in 1989.

3. IBM Personal Computer

The IBM Personal Computer, model number 5150, was created by the IBM Entry Systems Division, lead by Don Estridge. It came equipped with a CGA video card, Microsoft BASIC, one or two floppy disk drives, and an Intel 8088 processor — some users replaced it with an NEC V20 CPU. This model met its demise on April 2, 1987.

4. Sol-20

Processor Technology Corporation was most known for its Sol-20 computer, which boasted the Intel 8080 8-bit CPU, running at 2-MHz. What set the Sol-20 apart from other computers of that era was its integrated video driver. Approximately 10,000 of these machines were manufactured between 1977 and 1979, coming as both assembled computers and DIY kits.

5. Atari Portfolio

Touted as the first PC-compatible palmtop computer, the Atari Portfolio is a device that time forgot, first released in 1989. This computer was built around an Intel 80C88 CPU clocked at 4.9-MHz, 128kB of RAM, 256kB of ROM, and a monochrome LCD with 240 x 64 pixel resolution. Its operating system was DIP (Distributed Information Processing) DOS 2.11.

Author

A technology, gadget and video game enthusiast that loves covering the latest industry news. Favorite trade show? Mobile World Congress in Barcelona.