Released in 1976 at an MSRP of $1,495 USD ($8,006 in 2023), the Sol-20 by Processor Technology was officially first fully assembled computer that came equipped with a built-in keyboard and TV output. This eventually lead to what we know today as the home computer.
First, there was the IBM CrossPad, and then came the first generation iPad, which was unveiled by Steve Jobs on January 27, 201. Measuring 0.5 inches thick and weighing in at 1.5 pounds, it was lighter than any laptop or netbook on the market at that time.
TOMY’s Omnibot 2000, first introduced in 1984, may not be as interesting as 2.6 billion-year-old water, but it was designed to serve drinks. This high-tech toy retailed for around $600 USD ($1,759 in 2023) and came equipped with a built-incomputer, cassette deck (used to record and playback movement and sounds), wheels, a microphone, as well as speakers.
Long before the iPad and Huawei MatePad Pro, there was the Dauphin DTR-1, a touchscreen Windows tablet from 1993. Weighing in at 2.5-pounds, this device was thought to be the world’s smallest 486 computers, and one of the first palmtops to run the Microsoft Windows operating system.
Photo credit: Supraguy CRT
Long before USB monitors like the Mobile Pixel DUEX, there was Sony’s Color Watchman (FDT-5BX5) from 1995. This portable TV boasts a 5″ CRT screen that uses a Slot-Mask Picture Tube manufactured by Samsung rather than one by Sony.
Nintendo’s Satellaview is a rarely talked about satellite modem for the Super Nintendo / Famicom that was released in 1995. This service was exclusive to Japan and enabled users to download games, magazines, as well as other media through satellite broadcasts provided by St.GIGA.
Long before the Renault Sound Truck, there was Mighty Tiny, quite possibly the world’s smallest record player, or at least during the 1960s. Put simply, it consists of a miniature turntable with a built-in speaker that could play tiny 2.25-inch records.
These days, we have game-console inspired computers like the AYA Neo Retro Mini PC AM01, but back in 1980, there was RadioShack’s TRS-80 Color Computer. Priced at a reasonable $399 USD ($1,486 in 2023), this personal computer was designed to compete with the Atari 400 and the Commodore VIC-20.
Now many remember even hearing about the SEGA AS-1, as only a dozen of these motion ride simulators were installed at video arcades worldwide, namely SEGA VirtuLand, SEGA World, and Joypolis. Even more rare is the interactive film that Michael Jackson shot for the attraction, titled ‘Scramble Training’.
Long before bullet trains, there was the self-balancing gyro monorail from the early 1900s. Its inventor, Louis Brennan, filed his first monorail patent in 1903, and the initial prototype was just a 30.0″ by 11.8″ box containing the balancing system.