The Legendary Altair 8800: A Revolutionary Computer Ahead of Its Time

🕹️The Altair 8800 was not the first personal or microcomputer, but its features, timing, and cultural impact secured a significant place in history.

💾The Altair 8800 featured an Intel 8080 CPU, up to 64K of RAM, and the industry-standard expansion bus known as the S100 bus.

📈The Altair 8800 inspired many future careers in technology, and its timing helped create a cottage industry of third-party hardware providers.

💼MITS, the company behind the Altair 8800, faced challenges in production, which led to competitors offering better-designed and more reliable systems.

🔭Collectors value the original Rev zero Altair 8800 the most, which can fetch a high price due to its historical significance and rarity.

Was the Altair 8800 the first personal computer?

—No, the Altair 8800 was not the first personal computer. However, its features, timing, and impact on the industry secured its place in history.

What were the key features of the Altair 8800?

—The Altair 8800 featured an Intel 8080 CPU, up to 64K of RAM, and the industry-standard expansion bus known as the S100 bus.

Did the Altair 8800 inspire future technology careers?

—Yes, the Altair 8800 inspired many individuals to pursue careers in technology, and its timing helped create a cottage industry of third-party hardware providers.

Did MITS face challenges in producing the Altair 8800?

—Yes, MITS faced challenges in production, which led to competitors offering better-designed and more reliable systems.

Why is the Rev zero Altair 8800 highly valued by collectors?

—The Rev zero Altair 8800 is highly valued by collectors due to its historical significance and rarity as one of the first original machines off the production line.

00:00Introduction to the Altair 8800 and its historical significance.

02:30Overview of the features and specifications of the Altair 8800.

05:45Discussion of the impact of the Altair 8800 on the technology industry and the inspiration it provided for future careers.

08:25Explanation of the challenges faced by MITS in producing the Altair 8800 and the emergence of competitors' systems.

11:20Insight into the value and rarity of the original Rev zero Altair 8800 for collectors.