The current ubiquity of computers was hardly conceivable just a few decades ago. Half a century ago, computers were usually large, bulky devices – even so-called “minicomputers” were the size of a cupboard. That changed with the first microcomputers, which shrank full-fledged computers to the size of today's desktop PCs. And what is believed to be the first microcomputer, the Q1 from the company of the same name, has now appeared in England.
Retro-Fund in England
There, the clearance company Just Clear cleared out a house and found two copies of the old retro computer. Technically, of course, you don't win any more with the installed hardware: the processor used at the time was Intel's 8008 – the first processor from Intel and the first microprocessor with 8 bits. From a historical perspective, the Q1 is of course exciting, especially since only a few models remain. According to website The Byte Attic, there are only three Q1s available to the public and five other models in private hands. As a result of Just Clear's discovery, ten corresponding microcomputers are now likely to exist.
Unfortunately, nothing is known about the technical condition of the devices, but they were shown by Just Clear at an exhibition at the University of Kingston. It is also unclear whether an auction or a direct sale will continue to be discussed. Given the age and historical significance of the Q1, some museums may also be interested.
Source: Just Clear At least visually, the Q1 PCs discovered by Just Clear seem to be in order.
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Even though the Q1 was probably the first microcomputer, the company of the same name behind it only played a limited role in subsequent computer history. The manufacturer was taken over by Nixdorf in 1974, which was later bought by Siemens. The business with desktop computers was also given up long ago. After a sale in 2009, the rights to the Q1 are now probably owned by Fujitsu, if they have not already expired.
Those: Techradar