The Power of Vintage
8-bit Legacy
The Rise of Home Computers in the 1980s
The home computer market surged in the early 1980s, fueled by rapid technological advances and declining hardware costs, making home computers affordable to the average household across Europe and North America.
During the first half of the 80s, a wide range of 8-bit machines emerged, primarily based on two CPU architectures: the MOS 6502/6510 and the Zilog Z80.
Table: Popular 8-bit Computers and their CPUs
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MOS-BASED |
ZILOG-BASED |
MOTOROLLA-BASED |
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Commodore 8-bit (PET, VIC, 16, Plus/4, C64, and C128) |
Amstrad 464, 664, and 6128 CPC |
TRS‑80 Color Computer |
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Apple 8-bit (Apple II and III) |
Sinclair's Z80, Z81, and ZX Spectrums |
Thomson Computers |
|
Atari 8-bit (400, 800, XL, and XE) |
MSX/MSX2 |
Sinclair QL |
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Acorn 8-bit (Master, Atom, BBC, and Electron) |
TRS-80 Model |
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Oric (Oric 1, Atmos, and Telestrat) |
Grundy NewBrain |
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|
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Jupiter Ace |
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|
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Enterprise |
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SAM Coupe |
Color Classic
"Apple Macintosh Color Classic -Compact Design Meets Color"
Released in February 1993, the Macintosh Color Classic brought color to Apple’s iconic all-in-one design, blending functionality with a sleeker, modern aesthetic. Priced at $1,399 at launch, the Color Classic remained in production until May 1995, though it continued to be sold in Europe and Japan until January 1998. This was the first compact Macintosh to feature a built-in color display, housed in a curvier, more contemporary case.
AT A GLANCE
- The final model of the original compact Macintosh family
- Display: 10" Sony Trinitron RGB (8.2" viewable)
Compare 16-bit Computers
A Comparison of Legendary 16-Bit Computer Systems
By examining the technical capabilities alongside adjusted pricing (in today's dollars) of different computers, we gain insight into which systems offered the best Price/Value ratio at the time.
Apple Mac
Macintosh 128K & 512K — Hello, Mac!
Released in January 1984, the Macintosh 128K was Apple’s first mass-market personal computer featuring a graphical user interface (GUI). Powered by a Motorola 68000 CPU, the Mac debuted alongside two iconic applications: MacPaint and MacWrite.
- The Macintosh 128K launched at $2,495 (approximately $6,950 in 2023 money) and sold over 70,000 units
- Its successor, the Macintosh 512K, introduced in September 1984 at $3,195 (about $8,900 in 2023 money, achieved even greater success due to its expanded memory.
Macintosh LC
Macintosh LC -Apple’s Affordable Color Macintosh
Released in October 1990, the Macintosh LC (short for Low Cost) was Apple’s entry into the budget personal computer market. Designed primarily for education, it was sold to schools at a price point comparable to the Apple IIGS, making color-capable Macs more accessible than ever.
- Launch Price: $2,399 (equivalent to $5,320 in 2024)
- Apple IIe Compatibility: The optional Apple IIe card enabled full Apple IIe emulation, further enhancing its appeal for schools
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