IBM PCs

"Setting the Standards for the IT Industry"

Released in August 1981, the IBM Personal Computer was IBM’s first microcomputer and the hardware platform that created the standard for PC compatibles. The IBM PC used an open architecture and the PC-DOS from Microsoft. Later, in 1984, IBM released the considerably improved IBM AT based on 80286 and a 16-bit AT bus.

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)

In the early 80s, IBM was already established as the leader in high-end business solutions by supplying mainframes to large corporations and governments.

The platform System/360 dominated the mainframe market from 1965 until the late 70s. Notable IBM inventions include magnetic tape drives, random access memory (RAM), floppy/HD drives, the SQL language, and the ATM.

IBM Sales Figures

Table: Early series of IBM Personal Computers

The IBM PC

The IBM PC aimed to compete against companies like Apple, Commodore, and Tandy for a market share in the newly created and promising personal computer market. That market was worth 15 billion dollars at the time, with an estimated growth rate of 30-40% for the following years. To achieve a quick entrance into the market, IBM almost bought Atari, however, they decided to form a new independent department for the development of personal computers. The motherboard was designed in 40 days, and after four months, a working prototype was ready.

The IBM PC proved a tremendous success, selling over 750,000 units until 1983, exceeding IBM’s wildest estimates. Earlier, in mid-1982, the first PC compatibles were released. IBM didn’t see that coming.

The IBM PC had a price tag of $1,565 ($4,980 in today’s money)
The standard configuration included the 8088 CPU at 4.7 MHz, a CGA graphics adapter, 16 kB of RAM, an 83-key keyboard, and no disk drives
8-bit expansion cards

Operating System of the IBM PC

Initially, IBM planned to support several operating systems such as the CP/M-86 and the PC DOS by Microsoft. However, PC DOS (MS-DOS) was already complete, and IBM chose to use it as the standard OS for their PC.

PC DOS version 1.00

Related IBM Models

THE IBM AT

IBM 5170 Released in 1984, the IBM/AT (model 5170) is a considerably improved computer based on the 80286 CPU by Intel.

80286 CPU, optional the 80287 FPU
3 different motherboard types
PC DOS 3.0 (supporting networking)
MDA, CGA, EGA, or PGA video cards
20 MB hard disk drive (standard)
5+1⁄4 inch (1.2 MB) floppy disk drive
16-bit AT bus (ISA) offering backward compatibility with 8-bit expansion cards
RAM capacity up to 16 MB
Battery-backed clock (RTC)
AT keyboard (84-key layout, later AT models included 101-key keyboards)

The success of IBM AT created the market for lower-priced compatible systems. Popular AT clones included the Compaq Deskpro, HP Vectra, Zenith Z-286, Commodore PC-30, and Tandy 3000.

» Here is the full review of the BM AT 5170

IBM PCjr (PC JUNIOR)

Released in March 1984 and manufactured until May 1985, the IBM PCjr was a home computer featuring better graphics and sound than the original IBM PC.

Priced at $1,269 ($3,700 in today’s money)
PC DOS 2.10 Operating System
8088 CPU at 4.77 MHz
128 kB of RAM (not capable of supporting decent gaming)
5.25" (360 KB) disk drive
320x200 resolution with 16 colors
Enhanced sound with the Texas Instruments SN76496 chip (can produce three square waves)
Built-in joystick ports
Composite video out (TV)
Infrared wireless keyboard

IBM PS/2

Released in 1987, the IBM PS/2 (Personal System/2) replaced the first generation of IBM personal computers (PC, XT, AT). The PS/2 included several innovations such as the VGA card and the 1.44 MB disk drive (optional). With 256 KB video memory, the VGA adapter provided significantly improved graphics for apps and games:

640×480 with 16 colors
320×200 with 256 colors
262,144 colors palette
After 18 months, IBM reported that it had sold 3 million PS/2 units.
Software-compatible PC/AT/XT
80286-80486 CPU
IBM PC DOS 3.3, and later the OS/2 operating system
VGA (Video Graphics Array) standard
1.44 MB 3.5-inch floppy disk drive (not all models)
PS/2 ports (mouse/keyboard)
101-key keyboard layout

IBM PS/1

Released in 1990, the IBM PS/1 (Personal System/1) was the second IBM attempt to gain a share in the promising home computing market. The system was abandoned in 1994 for the newer IBM Aptiva. With the PC Junior, the 80286 PS/1 was sold at a lower price tag ($1,699 in 1990 or $3,760 in today’s money).

PC DOS 4.01
80286-80486DX CPU
512 KB to 2.5 MB of RAM
VGA Graphics
A modem installed

MODERN HARDWARE UPGRADES

HARD DISK / DISK DRIVE ALTERNATIVES

SUITABLE CF CARDS

MUSIC & SOUND

■ IBM Personal Computers

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Sources: Wikipedia, IBM

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IBM PCs

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