the first computer was sold to consumers in 1981.
the first computer was sold to consumers in 1981.
when was the first computer sold to consumers?
1981
in 1979, atari unveiled the atari 400 and 800 computers, built around a chipset originally meant for use in a game console, and which retailed for the same price as their respective names. in 1981, ibm introduced the ibm 5150 pc with a $1,565 base price (), while sinclair research introduced its low-end zx81 microcomputer for £70 (). by 1982, new desktop computer designs were commonly providing better color graphics and sound than game consoles and personal computer sales were booming. the ti 99/4a and the atari 400 were both at $349 (), the tandy color computer sold at $379 (), and commodore international had just reduced the price of the vic-20 to $199 () and the c64 to $499 ().
video game crash of 1983
bullet::::- october 1977: commodore pet (n. am.), first all-in-one computer: keyboard/screen/tape storage built into stamped sheet metal enclosure.









































the following computers also introduced significant advancements to the home computer segment:









































bullet::::- 1979: ti-99/4, first home computer with a 16-bit processor and first to add sprite graphics









































bullet::::- 1979: atari 400/800 (n. am.), first computer with custom chip set and programmable video chip and built-in audio output









































section::::notable home computers.:1980s.









































bullet::::- 1980: commodore vic-20 (n. am.), under us$300; first computer of any kind to pass one million sold.









































bullet::::- 1980: trs-80 color computer (n. am.), motorola 6809, optional os-9 multi-user multi-tasking.
home computer