Chronology of Events
in the
History of Microcomputers

Last updated: 1998 October 23

1983

January

• Dynalogic Corporation begins shipping the Hyperion microcomputer. [615.56]
• Commodore Business Machines begins selling the Commodore 64 through mass merchants, which drops the retail price to US$400. [713.268]
• The Winter Consumer Electronics Show is held, in Las Vegas, Nevada. [300.18]
• Texas Instruments introduces the TI 99/2, using the TI-9995 16-bit microprocessor, 4.2KB RAM, 24KB ROM, 16-color graphics. Price is US$100. [300.39] [444.496]
• Pepsi-Cola president John Sculley meets with Steve Jobs a second time and is given a sneak preview of the Lisa computer. [745.68]
• Spectra Video introduces the SV318 microcomputer. It features 32KB RAM and 32KB ROM, for US$300. [444.496]
• Extex introduces the 2000 Piggyback Computer, a keyboard add-on for the Atari 2600, with 8KB BASIC and 3KB RAM, for US$100. [444.496]
• Apple Computer officially unveils the Lisa computer. It features a 5-MHz 68000 microprocessor, 1MB RAM, 2MB ROM, a 12-inch B/W monitor, 720x364 graphics, dual 5.25-inch 860KB floppy drives, and a 5MB Profile hard drive. It is slow, but innovative. Its initial price is US$10,000. The Lisa cost Apple Computer US$50 million to develop. It is the first personal computer with a graphical user interface (GUI). The software for it cost Apple Computer US$100 million to develop. "Lisa" stands for Local Integrated Software Architecture. During its lifetime, 100,000 units are produced. [9] [41] [46] [75] [80] [140] [176.145] [180.16,102] [202.211] [203.63] [346.149] [443.4] [443.42] [447.457] [477.158] [593.350] [606.141] (1982 January [120])
• Quote by Steve Jobs, of Apple Computer, "We're prepared to live with Lisa for the next ten years." [734.47]
• Dynalogic becomes a division of Bytec. [615.179]
• Bytec begins shipping the Hyperion portable computer, developed by Dynalogic. [615.179]
• AT&T announces Unix System V. [461.133]
• Mattel shows the Intellivision III at the Consumer Electronics Show. [292]
• Apple Computer introduces the Apple IIe. It features 64KB RAM, Applesoft BASIC, upper/lower case keyboard, seven expansion slots, 40x24 and 80x24 text, 1-MHz 6502 processor, up to 560x192 graphics, 140KB 5.25-inch floppy drive, Apple DOS 3.3, for US$1400. [46] [75] [120] [199.1] [200.1] [443.4] [443.68] [593.350]
• Apple Computer releases the Apple Letter Quality Printer, for US$2200. It is a modified Qume printer. [218]
• VisiCorp (formerly Personal Software) sues Software Arts over rights to VisiCalc. [346.110]
• Mattel Electronics demonstrates the Aquarius computer at the Winter CES. It has 4KB RAM, and a Z80A microprocessor. It is expected to sell for US$200. [176.145] [300.40] [444.492]
• Timex introduces the Timex/Sinclair 2000, which is their re-packaged Sinclair Spectrum for the North American market. Price is US$149 for a 16KB model. [444.496] (Timex 2000) [300.42]
• Atari introduces the 1200XL home computer, with 64KB RAM, and 256 color capability. Price: US$900. [300.46]
• A full-page ad by Media Distributing offers a 44MB hard drive for US$4400; 22MB for US$3600; 11MB for US$2700.
• Commodore's sales of VIC-20s reaches 1,000,000. [9]
• Commodore introduces the SX-64, the first color portable computer. Weight is 10.5 kg. It incorporates a 5-inch color monitor and one or two 5.25 inch floppy drive. Price is US$1600. [190.81] [349.16] [444.496] [713.255]
• Time magazine selects the microcomputer as its "Man" of the Year. [9] ("Machine of the Year" [346.264]) (1982 December [46] [606.28])
• Lotus Development ships Lotus 1-2-3 Release 1.0 for MS-DOS. US$1 million was spent on promoting the release. It requires 256KB of RAM, more than any microcomputer program at the time. Jonathan Sachs was the programmer, with Mitch Kapor as the software designer. [41] [217] [120] [346.111] [502.49] [548.429] [627.5,73] [618] [618.149]
• Ziff-Davis begins publishing A+ magazine for Apple Computer products. [218]

February

• Texas Instruments cuts the dealer price on the TI 99/4A, dropping the retail price to under US$150. [713.268]
• Microsoft establishes a subsidiary company in West Germany. [346.264]

March

• Compaq Computer begins shipping the Compaq Portable PC. [620.113]
• Radio Shack announces its TRS-80 Model 100 portable Computer. It uses an 80c85 processor, and is based on the NEC PC-8201, which is built by Kyoto Ceramics (Kyocera). It features 40x8 text, 240x64 graphics, and runs on four AA alkaline batteries, powering it for about 20 hours. Price is US$800 for 8KB version, or US$1000 for the 24KB version. [9] [346.264] [529.14] (introduced in 1984 [202.199])
• IBM announces the IBM PC XT. It adds a 10 MB hard drive, three more expansion slots, and a serial interface. With 128KB RAM and a 360KB floppy drive, it costs US$5000. [35] [41] [75] [116] [120] [205.31] [346.264] (February [9])
• Microsoft announces MS-DOS 2.0 for PCs. It was written from scratch, supporting 10 MB hard drives, a tree-structured file system, and 360 KB floppy disks. [117] [130] [146] [346.264] [748.29]
• Microsoft creates a publishing division, Microsoft Press. [346.264]
• The Eagle 1600, the first 8086-based PC, ships. [108]

April

• Microsoft introduces XENIX 3.0. [346.264]
• Vector Graphic fires Frederick Snow, with Lore Harp taking over again. [202.213]
• Commodore drops dealer prices on the VIC-20, which allows it to drop below US$100 retail, the first color computer to hit that mark. [713.268]
• Commodore offers a US$100 rebate on the purchase of a Commodore 64 on receipt of any computer or videogame unit. [713.269]
• Microsoft introduces Multi-Tool Word for DOS (later renamed Microsoft Word) word processing program at Spring Comdex in Atlanta, Georgia. [346.127] (May [123]) (September [123])
• John Sculley is hired at Apple Computer as Chief Operating Officer. [203.63] [266.281] (May [346.150])
• Microsoft gives a "smoke-and-mirrors" demonstration of Interface Manager (later called Windows), which consists entirely of overlapping windows, appearing to be running programs simultaneously. [477.160]
• Lotus Development ships Lotus 1-2-3 Release 1.0A. [217] (September 1985 [502.49])

May

• Philips buys out Stephen Dorsey's remaining 20% ownership of Micom Data Systems. [615.103]
• The National Computer Conference is held in Anaheim, California. [529.188]
• Fujitsu shows off first production of 256Kbit memory chips. [529.189]
• Sony Electronics announces the 3.5 inch floppy disk and drive, double-sided, double-density, holding up to 1MB. [529.190]
• Microsoft France opens its first office, in Paris, France. [346.117]
• Sord introduces the M5 Fun Computer, and the M5 MultiComputer. Both Both feature a Zilog Z80 microprocessor, 8KB ROM, 4KB RAM, keyboard, serial/parallel/cassette ports, and two game controllers, for US$200. [529.190]
• Timex drops the suggested retail price of the ZX-81 to US$49. [713.269]
• Atari offers a US$100 rebate on the Atari 800, bringing its retail price to below US$400. [713.269]
• Sord announces the M23 computer, featuring a Z80 processor, 128KB RAM, two disk drives, 640x256 8-color graphics, for US$2200. [529.190]
• Toshiba announces a portable version of the T100 computer, with 64KB RAM, 40x8 LCD screen, modem, and briefcase, for US$1100. [529.190]
• Toshiba announces the T300 computer, featuring a 16-bit processor, 650x500 8-color graphics, 192KB RAM, 640KB floppy disk drives, seven expansion slots, and IBM PC software compatibility, for US$2500. [529.190]
• Sharp introduces the PC-5000 computer, featuring a 16-bit Intel 8088 processor, 128KB RAM, 80x8 LCD, 640x80 graphics, and weighing 11 pounds. [529.190]
• Commodore ships the Commodore Executive 64. It features 64KB RAM, detachable keyboard, 5-inch color monitor, 170KB floppy drive, for US$1000. [529.192]
• Anderson Jacobson introduces the AJ Passport portable computer, with 256KB RAM, one or two floppy drives, serial/parallel ports, 300-baud modem, 640x250 graphics, and 7-inch amber display. [529.192]
• Computer Devices shows the Dot computer, with 16-bit Intel 8088 processor, 128KB RAM, Sony 3.5-inch floppy drive, integrated 9-inch green or amber monitor, 1056x254 graphics, and two serial ports, for US$3000. [529.192]
• NCR introduces the Decision Mate V computers, with Zilog Z80 processor, optional Intel 8088 processor, and monochrome or color display, for US$2650-3440. [529.192]
• Honeywell introduces the microSystem 6/10 microcomputer. It is compatible with Honeywell's DPS 6 mainframe family. It ises LSI 6 and Intel 8086 processors, 128KB RAM, dual 5.25-inch drives, display, keyboard, and I/O ports for US$4000. [529.194]
• Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Model 4, with 4-MHz Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 16KB RAM, cassette or 180KB 5.25-inch floppy drives, keyboard, 80x24 text 12-inch B/W monitor, optional CP/M, speaker, for US$2000. [368.148] [461.292]
• Microsoft introduces its first mouse, "The Microsoft Mouse", including card and software, for US$200. [3] [123] [389.28] (April [346.264])
• Gavilan introduces the Gavilan Mobile Computer, a full-function portable computer. It features a 16-bit Intel 8088, 80KB RAM, 3-inch microfloppy drive, 66x8 LCD screen, touch pad, keyboard, 300-baud modem, and I/O ports. [336.24] [529.194]

June

• Microsoft quote: "We have a long-term relationship with IBM and have solid plans involving PC-DOS." [2]
• The one millionth Apple II is made. [46] [75] [346.264] [9]
• Commodore drops the dealer price of the Commodore 64 to US$200, allowing the retail price to drop to US$200-230. [713.269]
• Apple Computer begins shipping the Lisa. [477.159]
• Intel quote: "Accessing memory using a segmented architecture holds many advantages over the earlier linear-addressing method." [2]
• Mattel announces the scrapping of plans for the Intellivision III. [292]
• Mattel announces the Entertainment Computer System. [292]
• The Summer Consumer Electronics Show is held, in Chicago, Illinois. [530.200]
• Coleco announces the Coleco Adam, at the Summer CES. The Adam is a Z80-based computer with 80-column SmartWriter daisy wheel printer, two game controllers, 80KB RAM (64KB user RAM, 16KB video RAM), 3 sound channels, 16 color graphics, compatibility with ColecoVision games, 4 MC6801 microprocessors controlling operation of peripherals, full keyboard, and 512KB tape-cartridge device, for US$600. [9] [336.4] [364.43] [202.210] [363.54] [364.43] [530.200] (1984 [176.146])
• Spectra Video shows the SV-328 at the Summer CES. It is like the SV-318, but with a full-stroke keyboard, cursor keys, and 32KB RAM. [530.202]
• Atari shows The Graduate at the Summer CES. It is an add on computer for the Atari 2600 VCS game unit. It features 8KB RAM, keyboard, 16KB ROM with BASIC, and various I/O interfaces. [530.202]
• Rabbit Computer shows the Rabbit RX83 at the Summer CES. It features a Z80A processor, 2KB RAM, keyboard, and 256x192 resolution 8-color graphics. [530.202]
• Tomy shows the Tomy Tutor microcomputer at the Summer CES. It features 16-color 256x192 graphics, 32x24 text, 16KB RAM, 32KB ROM, three sound channels, for US$150. [530.202]
• Video Technology shows a prototype Laser 2001, compatible with ColecoVision and Atari VCS cartridges. It features 16KB ROM, 64KB RAM, 256x192 graphics, four channel sound, and I/O interfaces. [530.202]
• Video Technology shows the Laser 3000, an Apple II workalike microcomputer. It features 24KB ROM, 64KB RAM, 81-key keyboard, 80-column text display, 560x192 graphics, four sound channels, and I/O interfaces. [530.202]
• Unitronics shows the Sonic, an Apple II workalike microcomputer. It uses a TI video display processor chip, 48KB RAM, and built-in wafertape drive. [530.204]
• Taiwan Happy Home Computer Company shows the Multi-System microcomputer, compatible with both the Apple II and the IBM PC. [530.204]
• NEC shows the PC-8201 portable computer for the first time in the US. [530.204]
• Casio shows the FP-200 portable, with 20x8 LCD display, 8KB RAM, and I/O interfaces. [530.204]

July

• Apple Computer officially begins marketing the Lisa computer. [346.150]
• Tom Mack releases the first version of RBBS for MS-DOS, the first shareware program for running a BBS. [489.105]
• AT&T Bell Labs designs C++. [176.122] [374.12]
• Steve Wozniak returns to Apple Computer. [200.13] (June [218]

August

• Jon Shirley replaces James Towne as president of Microsoft. [346.264]
• A US federal appeals court judge rules that Franklin Computers did violate Apple Computer copyrights on computer programs and the Apple Computer operating system in ROM. [80]

September

• Osborne Computer Corp. files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. [9] [266.280] [370.12] [713.260]
• Microsoft France releases Multiplan for the Apple II. [346.118]

October

• Atari begins shipping its XL computers. [364.36]
• Visi Corp releases VisiOn, an integrated software environment for PCs, for US$1795. [348.69] [346.177] (November [346.285] [618.219])
• Coleco begins shipping the Adam. [363.54] [364.36]
• National Semiconductor ships samples of its 6-MHz 32-bit NS32032 microprocessor. [364.37]
• IBM introduces PC-DOS 2.1 with the IBM PCjr. [146]
• IBM announces the IBM 3270 PC, an 8088-based system, for US$4290. [116]
• IBM announces the IBM PC-XT Model 370, with 8088 CPU, 768K RAM, 360K drive, and 10 MB hard drive for US$9000. [116]
• Quote from Spinnaker Software chairman William Bowman: "We're just sitting here trying to put our PCjrs in a pile and burn them. And the damn things won't burn. That's the only thing IBM did right with it - they made it flameproof.". [351.14]
• Tandy/Radio Shack announces the "transportable" TRS-80 Model 4P, for US$1800. It features a 4-MHz Zilog Z80A CPU, 64KB RAM, two 5.25-inch floppy drives, and 9-inch B/W screen. [326.67] [368.148]
• Compaq Computer introduces the Portable Plus. [108]
• Texas Instruments withdraws from the personal computer market. [202.209] [266.281] [331.58]

November

• Microsoft formally announces Microsoft Windows, at the Plaza Hotel in New York. It is promised for release in April, 1984. [9] [45] [123] [137] [228.53] [346.177] [389.28] [416.67] [477.158] [548.159]
• Satellite Software International ships WordPerfect 3.0 for US$500. [330.108] [502.49]
• Satellite Software International ships Personal WordPerfect for US$200. [330.108]
• Borland International releases Turbo Pascal for CP/M and 8086-based computers. [176.122] (first advertised in October [9] [346.265])
• IBM announces the IBM PCjr, using Intel's 8088, for US$700 for the bare configuration. Code name during development was Peanut. [9] [116] [120] [266.281] [35] [41] [357.28] [483.D4] [658.41]
• Quote from Sierra On-Line founder and president, Ken Williams: "the PCjr is bound to be around for a while". [357.30]
• Microsoft again shows Windows to IBM, and again IBM is not interested. [45]
• Microsoft officially releases Microsoft Word 1.0, for US$375, or US$475 with the Microsoft Mouse. [346.129] [502.49]

December

• Apple Computer introduces the redesigned Apple III as the Apple III+, for US$3000. [46] [75] [203.58] [593.350]
• Apple Computer releases the Apple ImageWriter for US$695. It is a modified C.Itoh printer. [218]
• Apple unveils the new Macintosh to the press. [372.29]
• 20th Century Fox Videogames abandons the videogame business. [359.9]
• Compaq Computer makes its first public stock offering, raising US$67 million. [113]
• Vernon Buerg releases the first version of List, a popular file-browsing utility for MS-DOS. [489.103]
• In an obscure television market somewhere on the Great Plains, Apple Computer runs its "1984" Macintosh ad, solely to make the ad eligible for awards during 1984. [180.171]

(month unknown)

• (early) Radio Shack introduces the TRS-80 Pocket Computer, Model PC-4, replacing the PC-1, for US$70. [528.288]

(month unknown)

• (early) Nelma Data Corporation introduces the Persona microcomputer. It features a 4-MHz Z80A, CP/M 2.3, 64KB RAM, dual single-sided 5.25-inch floppy drives, for $3000. [371.47]

(month unknown)

• (early) Apple Computer's Steve Jobs offers IBM's Don Estridge the position of president of Apple Computer, for US$1 million per year, US$1 million signing bonus, and US$2 million to buy a house. Don Estridge turns it down. [618.121]

(month unknown)

• (summer) Starcom releases Dragon's Lair to arcade centers. It is the first laser-disc based arcade game. [367.79]

(month unknown)

• (fall) Tandy releases the TRS-80 Model 2000, which uses the Intel 80186 microprocessor. [618.168]

(month unknown)

• (end) Atari ceases production of the Atari 5200. [360.20]

(month unknown)

• Atari cancels production of the Atari 1200XL, due to compatibility and other problems. [529.220]

(month unknown)

• Hewlett-Packard begins design work on Precision Architecture. [160]

(month unknown)

• Quote by Apple Computer's Mike Markkula to Steve Jobs, on seeing the "1984" Macintosh TV ad: "You mean you really want to show this?". [663.84

(month unknown)

• Microsoft marketeer Rowland Hanson convinces Bill Gates to change the name of Interface Manager to Windows. [477.164]

(month unknown)

• Seymour Rubenstein resigns from MicroPro International. [548.433]

(month unknown)

• Wayne Green, founder of many early microcomputer magazines, sells his magazines and business interests for US$60 million. [713.95]

(month unknown)

• IBM and Microsoft begin co-developing OS/2. [38]

(month unknown)

• Dan Silva and others leave Xerox, to form Electronic Arts. [448.27]

(month unknown)

• Texas Instruments drops plans to market the TI 99/2. [528.14]

(month unknown)

• The CP/M '83 Show is held in San Francisco, California. [529.196]

(month unknown)

• Radio Shack unveils the TRS-80 Model 12 at the CP/M '83 Show. It features a Zilog Z80A processor, 80KB RAM, 82-key keyboard, 1.25MB floppy drive, and software compatibility with the TRS-80 Model II. Price is US$3200. [529.196]

(month unknown)

• Frankline shows an operating Franklin Ace 1200 Apple II compatible at the CP/M '83 Show. It features an 8-bit processor, 128KB RAM, color display, upper/lower-case keyboard, 143KB floppy drive, CP/M card, 80-column text card, for US$2200. [529.196]

(month unknown)

• In its first year, Compaq Computer sells 47,000 computers, worth US$111 million. [618.173]

(month unknown)

• Digital Research introduces enhanced CP/M-86 for the IBM PC. It includes a printer spooler, and improved graphics. [529.198]

(month unknown)

• Mattel introduces the Aquarius computer, with 4KB RAM, 8KB ROM, Z80A processor, 40x24 text output to a TV, 80x72 block graphics, in 16 colors. Price is US$160. [529.49]

(month unknown)

• George Tate, of Ashton-Tate, buys all rights to dBase II from Wayne Ratcliff, and hires him as head of development for dBase III. [618.262]

(month unknown)

• (1982?) IBM's Austin Laboratory begins project Olympiad, to develop a scientific workstation based on the ROMP microprocessor. [606.45]

(month unknown)

• Iomega introduces the Bernoulli Box storage device. [656.37]

(month unknown)

• Texas Instruments introduces the Compact Computer 40 (CC-40). It uses the 8-bit TMS 70C20 processor, 6KB RAM, 34KB ROM with BASIC, and 31x1 LCD display. It rnus on four AA batteries, lasting up to 200 hours. [529.37]

(month unknown)

• Syquest introduces its SyQuest storage cartridge system to the PC market. [612.209]

(month unknown)

• Digital Research releases its first version of GEM. [618.220]

(month unknown)

• Borland International is founded by Philippe Kahn. [102]

(month unknown)

• Microsoft shows IBM a raw version of Windows. IBM is not interested as they are already developing what would be called TopView. [45]

(month unknown)

• Microcom adds error control to its modems, thus creating the Microcom Networking Protocol (MNP). Error control in MNP 4. [712.184]

(month unknown)

• Novell introduces the NetWare network operating system for the IBM PC. [620.123] [682.154]

(month unknown)

• Wang announces the single in-line memory module (SIMM). [461.8]

(month unknown)

• Hewlett-Packard unveils the HP 150 microcomputer. It features an 9-MHz Intel 8088 microprocessor, dual 3.5-inch disk drives, 9-inch green HPTouch optical touchscreen, 256KB RAM, and 512x390 graphics. Code-name during development was Magic. [461.36]

(month unknown)

• Philips and Sony develop the CD-ROM, as an extension of audio CD technology. [489.67] (1985 [610.166])

(month unknown)

• Bjarn Stroustrup creates the C++ extension to the C programming language. [132]

(month unknown)

• Morrow Designs introduces the Morrow Micro Decision microcomputer. It features a 4-MHz Zilog Z80A microprocessor, 64KB RAM, two serial ports, 200KB 5.25-inch floppy drive, CP/M v2.2, and separate video terminal. [461.306]

(month unknown)

• Microsoft, SpectraVideo, and 14 Japanese computer companies announce the MSX specifications for low-end, 8-bit home computers systems. [530.24]

(month unknown)

• STM Electronics introduces the Pied Piper Communicator 1 portable computer. It features a Zilog Z80 processor, 64KB RAM, 5.25-inch disk drive, six software packages, and 80x24 text on monitor or TV, for US$1300. [530.30]

(month unknown)

• Digital Communications Associates introduces the Crosstalk XVI communications program for PCs. [688.234]

1984

January

• Terrence E. Valeski and a group of investors buy all rights to the Intellivision from Mattel for US$16.5 million. [292] (US$20 million [340.10])
• Jack Tramiel, founder and president of Commodore, resigns from the company. [332.10] [334.6] [345.160] [349.30] [350.12] [362.6] [363.6] [410.5] [713.284]
• Apple Computer runs its "1984" commercial during the NFL SuperBowl, introducing the Macintosh computer. Apple Computer runs the ad only once, but dozens of news and talk shows replay it, making it one of the most memorable ads in TV history. The ad cost US$1.5 million. [46] [180.169] [185.121] [203.64] [582.116] [617.16] [716.13]
• Apple Computer's Steve Jobs introduces the Apple Macintosh at the Flint Center of DeAnza College in Cupertino, California. The Macintosh uses the 8-MHz 32-bit Motorola 68000 CPU, built-in 9-inch B/W screen, 512x342 graphics, 400KB 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, mouse, 128KB RAM, and weighs 20 pounds. Price: US$2500. [9] [41] [46] [75] [120] [140] [185.121] [205.38] [266.281] [346.151] [372.29] [477.159] [542.114] [582.21] [593.350] [597.94,104] [617.16] [662.8]
• Quote by Macintosh computer, introducing itself: "I'm glad to be out of that bag". [662.84]
• Apple Computer introduces its 300-baud modem for US$300, and 1200-baud modem for US$500. [75]
• Microsoft ships Microsoft BASIC (MacBASIC) and Microsoft Multiplan for the Macintosh. [123] [346.152] [389.28]
• Apple releases a new version of the Lisa computer, the Lisa 2. It uses all new software, as well as the Macintosh operating system. It comes with 512KB RAM, and one 3.5-inch 400KB floppy drive. The Lisa 2/5 comes with a 5MB hard drive, and the Lisa 2/10 comes with a 10MB hard drive. [373.11]
• Seiko Instruments U.S.A. Inc. displays the first wristwatch computer, with a 10-character, 4-line LCD. [9]
• Hitachi ad for their 3-inch compact floppy disk drive: "It's clear that the 3-inch floppy will become the new standard." [4]
• IBM sues Corona Data Systems for copyright violation of the IBM PC's BIOS, and wins. [481.34] (February [203.23])
• Commodore announces the Commodore 264 at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Code name for the computer was "TED". The 264 uses a 7501 microprocessor, 64KB RAM, 320x200 pixel graphics offering 128 color variations. [333.7] [334.44] [350.4] [354.18] [356.7] [359.86] [713.282]
• Commodore shows a prototype of the Commodore 364 computer at the Winter Consumer Electronics Show. The 364 is like the Commodore 264, but with a separate numeric keypad and built-in voice synthesizer. [334.44] [350.4] [354.18]
• Commodore announces that during 1983, Commodore sold US$1 billion worth of computers, the first personal computer company to do so. [713.284]
• Judge Harold Greene breaks up AT&T Bell Systems. [701.52]

February

• Timex withdraws from the home computer business. [331.58]
• Microsoft releases Multiplan v1.1 for the PC. [346.111]
• IBM announces the IBM Portable PC, for US$2900. [35] [41] (March [116] [117] [120])
• IBM sues Eagle Computer and Corona Data Systems for copyright violation of the IBM PC's BIOS, and wins. [203.23] [481.31]

March

• 3Com first sells shares to the public. [618.234]
• Ashton-Tate announces the integrated software package, Framework. [346.266] [650.74]
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 2.1 for the IBM PCjr. [346.265]
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 2.11. It includes enhancements to better allow conversion into different languages and date formats. [346.253] [346.266]
• NEC introduces the 8-MHz V20 microprocessor, the first clone of Intel's 8088. It uses 63,000 transistors. [477.125]
• NEC introduces the 8-MHz V30 microprocessor, the first clone of Intel's 8086. It uses 63,000 transistors. [477.125]
• IBM ships the IBM PCjr. It uses the 8088 CPU, includes 64KB RAM, a "Freeboard" keyboard, and one 5.25-inch disk drive, no monitor, for US$1300. [5] [9] [620.114] (January [35])
• Microsoft decides to temporary shelve work on a new spreadsheet (Excel) for the PC, and concentrate on a version for the Macintosh. [346.157]
• 74 days after the introduction of the Macintosh, 50,000 units have been sold. [218]
• Project IIx is cancelled at Apple Computer. [218]

April

• The Canon Sales Company debuts the Apple Macintosh in Japan. [498.D4]
• Commodore International launches the Commodore PC at the Hanover Fair in Germany. [365.20]
• Commodore International launches the Commodore Z8000 at the Hanover Fair in Germany. [365.20]
• Compaq Computer introduces its PCs to Europe. [113]
• Apple Computer unveils the Apple IIc with an intense publicity extravaganza, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. Priced at US$1300, 2,000 dealers place orders for more than 52,000 units on the day of its introduction. The IIc uses a 65C02A microprocessor, 128KB RAM, weighs 7.5 pounds, includes a 3.5-inch floppy drive, supports 40- or 80-column screens, and allows both QWERTY and Dvorak keyboard layouts. [46] [75] [120] [199.1] [200.14] [218] [358.76] [593.350] (May [9])
• Apple Computer retires the Apple III and Apple III+, with only 65,000 units sold in total. [46] [75] [203.58] (90,000 made [618.34])
• Microsoft France releases Multiplan for the IBM PC. [346.118]
• Silicon Graphics begins shipping its first 3-D graphics workstations. [159]
• Apple Computer releases the color Apple Scribe printer, using a special waxed ribbon and thermal print head. [218]
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Word 1.1 for DOS. [346.131] (October 1983 [346.265])
• AT&T and Olivetti form a strategic relationship to develop and market PCs in the US. [166.58]

May

• Apple Computer announces that 70,000 Macintosh computers have been shipped in the first 100 days since its announcement. [480.D4] (72,000 [734.254])
• Apple Computer names Kay Power as a research fellow of Apple. [343.41]
• Apple Computer introduces the DuoDisk dual 5.25-inch floppy disk drive unit for the Apple II line. [218]
• Apple Computer releases the AppleMouse II with MousePaint and a peripheral card for the Apple IIe or Apple II Plus (or directly in the Apple IIc). [218]
• Quarterdeck Office Systems officially launches DESQ, a text-based windowing environment for running DOS programs. [346.181] (January [477.159])

June

• Microsoft's Bill Gates and Steve Ballmer write an internal applications strategy memo on the company's commitment to the GUI, on the Macintosh and for Windows. [686.148]
• The Summer Consumer Electronics Show is held, in Chicago, Illinois. [366.16]
• Ashton-Tate ships dBase III. [346.266]
• Tom Jennings creates the FidoNet BBS network. [6] [9] [164.47]
• Motorola adds the 68020 32-bit processor to its line. [9] (1986 [120])
• Amiga demonstrates a new computer, code-named "Lorraine". [341.6]
• Apple Computer releases the Apple Color Plotter, a 4-pen plotter. [218]
• Commodore announces the Commodore 16 at the Consumer Electronics Show. The machine looks like the VIC-20 and Commodore 64, but has 16KB of RAM, and is expected to sell for around US$100, and marketed as "The Learning Machine". [366.7] [366.16]
• Commodore announces the renamed Commodore 264 as the Plus/4. It will now feature four built-in programs, not just one. Price should be around US$300. [356.7] [366.16]
• Commodore announces the DSP 1101 letter-quality daisywheel printer, designed for the Plus/4. [366.22]
• Commodore announces the MPS 802 dot matrix printer. [366.22]
• Commodore announces the MCS 801 color dot matrix printer. [366.22]
• Commodore announces the MPS 803 dot matrix printer, designed for use with the Commodore 16. [366.22]
• Okidata introduces the Okimate 10 thermal transfer color dot matrix printer, for US$240. [366.36]
• Compaq Computer introduces the Compaq Deskpro. [108] [113] [497.20] (July [487.67] [620.114])
• AT&T introduces the PC 6300, an 8-MHz 8086-based PC manufactured by Olivetti. [166.58] (June [487.67])

July

• Tramel Technology Ltd., headed by Jack Tramiel, buys a controlling interest in the Atari home computer and video game divisions from Warner Communications, for US$240 million in long-term notes. Warner retains Atari's coin-operated game division and home communications venture Ataritel. [9] [30] [355.14] [360.15] [410.5] [482.D1] [713.294]
• Six months after its introduction, 100,000 Macintosh computers have been sold. [203.65]
• Digital Vision releases the Computer Eyes video capture system for the Apple II, selling for US$130 (US$350 with a camera). [218]

August

• Commodore purchases Amiga Corporation. [6] [9] [341.6] [713.297]
• IBM announces the PC AT, a 6MHz 80286 computer using PC-DOS 3.0, a 5.25-inch 1.2MB floppy drive, with 256KB RAM, for US$4000, which doesn't include hard drive or monitor/card. With a 20MB hard drive, color card and monitor: US$6700. [6] [9] [35] [41] [75] [108] [116] [120] [203.25] [346.266]
• IBM announces its PC Network local area network. [9] [81]
• IBM introduces PC/IX, based on Unix System III from AT&T, for the PC AT. [81]
• IBM announces TopView, a DOS multitasking program. [35] [383.14] [618.273]
• IBM announces the Enhanced Color Display monitor with 640x350 resolution, priced at US$850. [81]
• IBM announces the Enhanced Graphics Adapter (EGA), supporting up to 640x350 resolution in 16 colors. With 64K, the card costs US$524. For 640x350x16 mode, a US$200 64KB RAM expander is required. [81] [120]
• IBM announces the Professional Graphics Display monitor, for US$1300. The 14-inch monitor will display up to 256 colors (from 4096) simultaneously at 640x480 resolution. [81]
• IBM announces the Professional Graphics Controller card, for US$3000. The card takes up two adjacent slots of a PC, and includes an 8-MHz 8088 chip and 384KB of memory. [81]
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 3.0 for PCs. It adds support for 1.2 MB floppy disks, and bigger (than 10 MB) hard disks. [117] [130] [146] [748.29]
• Visicorp sells Visi-On to Control Data. [484.D3]

September

• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh 512K for US$3200. It uses an 8-MHz 68000 processor, and comes with 512 KB RAM, and a 400 KB 3.5-inch floppy drive. [46] [75] [582.90] [593.350] [597.94]
• Digital Research announces its Graphics Environment Manager (GEM) icon/desktop user interface for 8086- and DOS-based computers. [9] (October [346.266]) (November [477.159])
• Apple Computer gives LaserWriter printer prototypes to Lotus Development, Microsoft, and Aldus, in hopes of their developing application support for it. [618.256]

October

• Microsoft releases Microsoft Word 1.15 for DOS. [346.131]
• Microsoft gives a demonstration of the final version of Windows to IBM. For the third time, IBM is not interested. [45]
• The number of hosts on the Internet reaches 1000. [56]

November

• The Tandy 1200 debuts.
• Apple Computer launches the "Test Drive a Macintosh" promotion. About 200,000 take a Macintosh home for a free 24-hour trial. [46]
• Lotus Development officially announces Jazz for the Macintosh, an all-in-one program incorporating a spreadsheet, database, graphics, word processing, and communications. [346.159]
• Satellite Software International ships WordPerfect 4.0 for US$500. [330.108] [502.49]
• The 2 millionth Apple II computer is sold. [46] [75] [346.267]
• Jim Manzi is named president and chief operating officer of Lotus Development. [217]
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 3.1. It adds support for Microsoft networks. [130] [146] [346.254] [346.267] (March 1985 [748.29])

December

• Several companies introduce 2400 baud modems at COMDEX, priced at US$800-900. [7]
• Apple sells the 250,000th Macintosh system. [346.267]
• Tandy introduces the Tandy 1000, for US$1300. [317.40]

(month unknown)

• (spring) Atari officially discontinues the Atari 5200. [337.65]

(month unknown)

• (spring) Commodore stops manufacturing the VIC-20. [366.16]

(month unknown)

• (summer) Sierra On-Line releases the game King's Quest. [351.27]

(month unknown)

• (summer) Jim Button decides to leave his US$50,000/year job at IBM to work full-time at his US$500,000/year Buttonware shareware hobby-turned-business. [618.245]

(month unknown)

• (summer) IBM introduces a new keyboard for the IBM PCjr, offering a free upgrade to all who want it. [357.79]

(month unknown)

• (fall) Software Arts wins its lawsuit against VisiCorp over the rights to the VisiCalc program. VisiCorp is ordered to pay US$500,000 to Software Arts.

(month unknown)

• (fall) Atari introduces the Atari 7800 ProSystem. [337.66]

(month unknown)

• Milton Bradley discontinues manufacturing of the Vectrex. [338.84] [340.10]

(month unknown)

• Motorola unveils its 68010 CPU chip. [120]

(month unknown)

• Sinclair announces the 16/32-bit QL microcomputer, using the Motorola 68008 microprocessor, 128KB RAM, two built-in tape drives, and multitasking ROM-based operating system. Weight is 3 pounds. Price is expected to be US$500. [366.38]

(month unknown)

• Apple Computer releases ProDOS. [218]

(month unknown)

• Apple Computer releases AppleWorks, one of the first integrated software packages, with modules for word processing, database management, and spreadsheet calculations. It was written by Rupert Lissner. [218]

(month unknown)

• Mattel sells marketing rights for the Aquarius home computer to Radofin Electronics. [340.10]

(month unknown)

• Apple Computer buys 15% of Adobe for US$2.5 million. [618.220]

(month unknown)

• Hewlett-Packard introduces the LaserJet laser printer, featuring 300dpi resolution, for US$3,600. [16] [117] [218] [314.173] [582.90] [618.220]

(month unknown)

• Intel introduces the 80186, 80188, and 80286 processors. [108] [120]

(month unknown)

• Foxbase releases Foxbase for MS-DOS. [494.6]

(month unknown)

• Sirius Software files for Chapter 11 backruptcy proceedings. [358.12]

(month unknown)

• Mindset debuts the Mindset PC. [176.145]

(month unknown)

• MIPS Computer Systems is founded, and begins developing its RISC architecture. [160]

(month unknown)

• Commodore introduces the Plus/4, with integrated software in ROM. [190.81]

(month unknown)

• Olivetti buys 60% of Acorn Computers' public shares. [347.59]

(month unknown)

• Philips announces CD-ROM players for personal computers, for under US$1000. [582.90]

(month unknown)

• The Odyssey Division of North American Philips ceases production of hardware for its Odyssey programmable videogame system. [359.8]

(month unknown)

• Microsoft and Lotus Development reach an agreement in principle to merge companies, but Jim Manzi convinces Mitch Kapor to back out of it. [618.158]

(month unknown)

• The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) begins developing the X Window System. [707.207]

(month unknown)

• Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla resigns. [734.153]

(month unknown)

• Scott McNealy is appointed president of Sun Microsystems. [734.153]

1985

January

• Forethought releases FileMaker for the Macintosh, for US$199. [582.198]
• The Winter Consumer Electronics Show is held in Las Vegas, Nevada. [342.6]
• Commodore unveils the Commodore 128 Personal Computer. It functions as three computers in one: a complete Commodore 64, a CP/M mode, and a new 128KB mode. [8] [342.6] [343.14]
• Atari introduces the 65XE, for US$120. Variations include the 65XEM with a built-in 8-voice synthesizer, and the 65XEP with built-in monitor and 3.5 inch disk drive. [343.14] [357.66]
• Atari introduces the 130XE, with 128KB RAM. [357.66]
• Atari introduces the 130ST: 128KB RAM, 192KB ROM, 512 color graphics, MIDI interface, and mouse for US$400. [343.14] [357.6]
• Atari introduces the 520ST: 512KB RAM, 192KB ROM, 512 color graphics, MIDI interface, and mouse for US$600. [343.14] [335.18] [357.7]
• As part of the Macintosh Office advertisement campaign, Apple Computer runs a TV ad during the SuperBowl called "Lemmings", showing blindfolded business executives walking off a cliff. [582.117] [725.47]
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh Office, consisting of a LAN and a LaserWriter laser printer, for US$6995. [750.48]
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Word 1.0 for the Macintosh. [346.138] (1984 November [346.267])
• Microsoft shows Apple's Steve Jobs the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for the first time. Jobs is not impressed, claiming that Lotus Development's Jazz would be more popular. [346.160]
• Compaq Computer reports second year revenues of US$329 million, an industry record. [113]
• Coleco sells off its Adam inventory and leaves the computer business. [343.18] (1984 [9])
• Apple Computer officially renames the Lisa the Macintosh XL. [46] [75] [593.350]
• Apple Computer releases the Apple LaserWriter laser printer. [140] [218] (August [120])
• Satellite Software International ships WordPerfect Jr. for US$200. It is designed for use on the IBM PCjr. [330.108]
• Former Microsoft founder Paul Allen founds Asymetrix. [346.267]

February

• Microsoft releases Microsoft Word 2.0 for DOS. [346.132] [346.267] [502.49]
• Apple Computer co-founder Steve Wozniak resigns from Apple Computer, to start a company that will develop home video products. [46] [75]
• IBM releases TopView, for US$150. [35] [107] [130] [477.159] (January [346.184] [346.267]) (April [346.285]) (October 1984 [573.65])

March

• Apple Computer introduces the Apple Enhanced IIe. [218]
• IBM announces that it will cease production and promotion of the IBM PCjr. [357.80]

April

• IBM abandons production of the IBM PCjr. [13] [35] [357.30]
• The Macintosh XL (formerly called Lisa) is dropped from Apple Computer's product line. [46] [120] [346.165] (March [582.90])
• Compaq Computer introduces the Compaq Deskpro 286 and Portable 286. [108] [490.D4]
• Apple Computer's board of directors approves John Sculley's decision to remove Steve Jobs as head of the Macintosh division. [745.ix]

May

• Apple Computer president John Sculley essentially fires Steve Jobs at Apple Computer. [180.206]
• Microsoft introduces Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh, in New York. [346.162] [346.267] [492.61]
• Lotus Development releases Lotus Jazz for the Macintosh, for US$595. [346.165] (August [582.200])
• Microsoft demonstrates Microsoft Windows at Spring Comdex. Release date is set for June, at a price of US$95. [346.187]

June

• Microsoft's Bill Gates suggests to Apple Computer's John Sculley that Apple Computer license Macintosh technology to a few significant developers. [763.25]
• Microsoft releases a revised Microsoft Word 1 for the Macintosh. [346.139]
• Mike Markkula backs John Sculley's decision to "banish" Steve Jobs from any official duties at Apple Computer. [618.200]
• Apple Computer reports its first quarterly loss. [75]
• Microsoft announces Windows 1.0. [75] [150]
• Apple Computer introduces the UniDisk 5.25 single 5.25-inch floppy disk drive, with the ability to daisy-chain additional drives through it. [218]

July

• Commodore unveils the new Amiga 1000 in New York. It features a multitasking, windowing operating system, using a Motorola 68000 CPU, with 256KB RAM, and 880KB 3.5-inch disk drive, for US$1300. [16] [187] (US$1200 [190.81])
• Micrografx releases its first Microsoft Windows application, In*A*Vision. [346.191] [307.95]
• Wang announces a series of products to turn PCs into local and remote Wang terminals. [33]
• Aldus releases Aldus PageMaker for the Apple Macintosh, for US$495. [120] [180.220] [237.60] [582.199] (late 1985 [582.94])
• Quarterdeck Office Systems ships DESQview 1.0. [130] (June [477.159])

August

• Microsoft and IBM sign a joint-development agreement to work together on future operating systems and environments. [45] [106] [123] [346.267]

September

• Electronic Arts releases DeluxePaint for the Amiga. DeluxePaint was a rewrite of Prism for the IBM PC, which was an enhanced port of Doodle, created on a Xerox syystem. [448.27]
• Apple Computer co-founder Steve Jobs resigns from Apple Computer. [16] [46] [75] [346.213] [346.268] [734.11,73]
• The one millionth copy of Microsoft Multiplan is sold. [346.268]
• Steve Jobs and five senior managers of Apple Computer Inc. found NeXT Incorporated. [170.66] [222] [206.289] [346.213]
• Computer company Gateway 2000 is formed, in Sioux City, Iowa, USA. [183]
• Lotus Development ships Lotus 1-2-3 Release 2.0. [217] (November [346.268]) (July 1986 [502.49])
• Satellite Software International ships WordPerfect 4.1 for US$500. [330.108] [502.49]
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Excel for the Macintosh 512K. [346.166] [346.268]
• Apple Computer introduces the UniDisk 3.5, a double-sided 3.5-inch disk drive, capable of storing 800KB per disk. [218]
• Apple Computer releases the Apple ImageWriter II printer. [218]

October

• Cauzin releases Cauzin SoftStrips, a form of barcode technology for publishing computer files in magazines, to be scanned into Macintosh computers. [582.202]
• Intel introduces the 16-MHz 80386DX microprocessor. It uses 32-bit registers and a 32-bit data bus, and incorporates 275,000 transistors (1.5 microns). Initial price is US$299. It can access 4 gigabytes of physical memory, or up to 64 terabytes of virtual memory. [41] [75] [176.74] [177.102] [296] [347.61] [477.125] [540.64] [62] [690.94]
• Microsoft France releases a French version of Multiplan 2.0 for the IBM PC. [346.119]
• Apple Computer discontinues its 128K Mac. [75]
• IBM announces its token ring network. [347.61]
• General Electric Information Services begins the GEnie online service. [218] [318.22]
• Hayes Microcomputer Products is issued a patent for the "Improved Escape Sequence with Guard Time", a technique to switch from command mode to online mode. [164.14] [678.51] [769.69]
• AT&T Computer Systems introduces the PC 6300 Plus. [166.58]

November

• Microsoft ships Microsoft Windows 1.0, for US$100. It is delivered two years after the initial announcement of the product. [16] [107] [117] [120] [123] [130] [134] [146] [477.159] [548.159] (v1.01 [136] [346.192]) (v1.03 [346.187] [346.268])
• Tandy announces it will offer Digital Research's GEM graphical user interface for its microcomputers. [346.190]
• Apple Computer and Microsoft sign an agreement regarding Microsoft's use of Apple's copyrights on the visual display of the Macintosh. [309.256] [346.192] [477.170] (1984 [38])

December

• Ashton-Tate delivers dBase III Plus. [346.268]

(month unknown)

• (early) VisiCorp files for bankruptcy. [346.113]

(month unknown)

• (spring) Mitch Kapor and Dan Bricklin make a deal to sell Software Arts to Lotus Development. [618.158]

(month unknown)

• (late spring) Apple Computer's board of directors strips Steve Jobs of all operational responsibilities, but leaves him ni the role of Chairman. [734.72]

(month unknown)

• (April-June) The Advanced RISC Machine (ARM), a 32-bit processor for home use, is shipped. Its first application is in an accelerator card for Acorn PCs. [32] [599.15]

(month unknown)

• (fall) Chips & Technologies releases its first product, a set of five chips that are equivalent to 63 smaller chips on an IBM PC AT motherboard. [618.180]

(month unknown)

• (late) IBM introduces Token-Ring networking. [620.123]

(month unknown)

• Apple Computer starts the User Group Connection, to share Apple info with Mac user groups. [729.204]

(month unknown)

• Steve Jobs sells 4 million shares of Apple Computer, netting about US$70.5 million. If he had held them to the fall of 1987, they would have brought US$481 million. [734.110]

(month unknown)

• IBM announces the PC Network software, its first networking software for PCs. [618.277]

(month unknown)

• Photonics Corporation begins developing Photolink, a wireless infrared LAN technology for the Apple Macintosh. [634.210]

(month unknown)

• U.S. Robotics introduces the Courier 2400 modem. [235]

(month unknown)

• Intel introduces the 80287 math coprocessor. [511.309]

(month unknown)

• Manfred Schmitt founds computer manufacturer ESCOM, in Germany. [491.52]

(month unknown)

• Microsoft purchases all rights to DOS from Seattle Computer Products for US$925,000. [41]

(month unknown)

• Motorola unveils its 68008 CPU chip. [120]

(month unknown)

• Novell introduces NetWare 2.0 network operating system. [618.282]

(month unknown)

• Sun Microsystems begins work on its SPARC processor. [160]

(month unknown)

• Ashton-Tate buys Forefront, maker of Framework. [650.74]

(month unknown)

• Steve Wozniak returns to Apple Computer. [203.68]

(month unknown)

• Mimic Systems announces the Spartan, a hardware upgrade for the Commodore 64 that turns it into an Apple IIe. [343.16]

(month unknown)

• Commodore Business Machines and Electronic Arts create the Interchange Film Format (IFF) for graphics, sound, text, animation, and other file types. [449.33]

(month unknown)

• SoftKlone Distributing releases the Mirrot III communications program for PCs. [688.245]

(month unknown)

• Microcom adds real-time data compression to its modems, as MNP 5. [712.184]

(month unknown)

• Software Arts sells the rights to VisiCalc to Mitch Kapor, of Lotus Development, for US$800,000. [218]

(month unknown)

• Nintendo introduces the Nintendo Entertainment System in the US. [292]

(month unknown)

• Michael Ehman founds Ehman, Incorporated, as a Macintosh peripherals vendor. [423.75]

(month unknown)

• Broderbund releases the first game in the Carmen Sandiego series. [531.8]

(month unknown)

• Iomega introduces its Bernoulli storage cartridge system to the Macintosh market. [612.208]

(month unknown)

• In the Micro/Vest versus Bill Millard (ComputerLand) lawsuit, Millard is ordered to hand over 20% of ComputerLand stock to Micro/Vest, plus US$141 million in punitive damages. [647.95]

(month unknown)

• Ashton-Tate buys MultiMate International Corporation. [650.74]

End of 1983-1985 - Low-end Shakeout and Next Generation