This computer was one of three in Tektronix’s 4050-series, a group of computers produced between the late 1970s and early 1980s. All computers in the series used the well-known Tektronix “direct view storage tube” (DVST), allowing them to display high-resolution images on the screen for animation, science and engineering applications without the flicker or pixel-based limitations of conventional CRT displays. The 4052 had a built-in BASIC programming language interpreter for quick and easy code development. Tektronix computers and terminals were highly regarded among technical professionals for their crisp and accurate displays and several 4050-series computers were even used for theatrical purposes in the TV series Battle star Galactica. With 32 KB of RAM, the 4052 sold for $9,795 or about $35,000 in today’s dollars.
