Title
Early Personal ComputersCatalog Number
102623957Type
Still ImageDescription
Black and white image of the KENBAK-1, the Sol Terminal Computer and the Super ELF.Verso: Attached printout "Kenbak-1 (left), Sol Terminal Computer (right), Super Elf (center). The Kenbak-1 (1971) manufactured by the Kenbak Corporation, is believed to be the world's first personal computer. A commercial, personal computer aimed at the educational market., the Kenbak-1 was sold for $750 when it was rel\eased in 1971 and was the first personal computer to be adverised on a national basis. It has 256 bytes of memory and the input is via 8 data buttons and seven command abuttons on the front panel. Output is via 8 lights.
The Sol Terminal Computer (1976) was designed by technology pioneer Lee Felsenstein and manufactured by Processor Technology. An advanced personal computer for its time, it had a dual drive; operating system; and a keyboard, cassette, serial and parallel interface which allowed it to interface with tape recorders, printers, terminals, and video devices. used by hobbyist , it was sold in kit form for $995.00 when it was released in 1976. It utilized an 80890 Intel chip, 1K byte of video RAM.
The super Elf (1977), made by Quest Electronics, is a single board machine intended bor use by hobbyists. It measured 12" x 8" x 3" thick and had 256 words of 4 bit memory.
The Kenbak_1, the Sol Terminal Computer and the Super Elf are on display at The Computer Museum in Boston and are entries in the museum's Early Model Personal Computer Contest, May 13, 1986.