The IBM Personal Computer 5150 changed technology forever after its launch in 1981. Even today, retro computing fans keep this iconic system running over 40 years later! Strap yourself in as we dive into everything that made the IBM 5150 PC so revolutionary.
Overview: A Groundbreaking Milestone for Personal Tech
The 5150 kickstarted mainstream personal computing as the first PC available to small businesses and individuals at the revolutionary price point under $1,500.
With approachable hardware specs like a 4.77MHz Intel 8088 CPU, 64KB of RAM, keyboard, monitor and dual 5.25" floppy drives, it brought serious capabilities beyond games into homes and offices.
But the technical details only tell part of the story. The 5150‘s open system design by visionaries like Don Estridge combined with IBM‘s marketing muscle made this THE standard for PCs across industries.
Let‘s explore key stats and components before covering its massive business and culture impacts!
Demystifying the Technical Specifications
For readers unfamiliar, specs refer to the computing hardware components defining performance. The original IBM 5150 delivered respectable power for everyday business software needs:
CPU
- Intel 8088 microprocessor
- 4.77 MHz clock speed
Memory (RAM)
- 16KB – 256KB
- Expansion slots supported up to 640KB
Storage
- 1 or 2 160KB 5.25" floppy disk drives
- No hard drive in base config
Graphics
- Monochrome text video adapter
- Optional graphics with 320×200 resolution
Ports & Peripherals
- RS-232 Serial and Parallel ports
- RGB color video output
- Composite output supporting RF modulator
- 83-key keyboard, dot matrix printer
Size & Weight
- Width 19.5′′ x Depth 16′′ x Height 5.5′′
- 21 pounds
Surprisingly, this complete system only drew 65 watts – less than some modern lightbulbs!
Now let‘s move on to the exciting backstory and busines impacts…
Conception at IBM: The Secret "Project Chess"
In 1980 IBM tasked a small team in Florida with creating a "microcomputer" within a year. Rather than control the project entirely internally, forward-thinking engineer Don Estridge decided to collaborate with outside partners whenever possible…
(Article continues expanding each section)Let me know your thoughts in the comments! Did you or your workplace use the IBM 5150 back in the day?
