In a surprising turn of events, house cleaners from London-based waste firm Just Clear stumbled upon a piece of computing history while clearing out a residence. Nestled under some random boxes were two Q1 PCs, considered among the world’s first desktop microcomputers. The Q1 PC, developed by Q1 Corporation and released in 1972, holds a special place in the evolution of computing.
A Glimpse into the Past: Q1 PC Specs 🕰️💻
The Q1 PCs stands as a testament to the early days of computing, featuring the groundbreaking Intel 8008 CPU. This 8-bit processor boasted a clock speed of 800 kHz and a memory capacity of 16KB. While these specifications may seem modest by today’s standards, in the 1970s, they represented a leap forward in the world of technology. Imagine a time when 16KB was as awe-inspiring as today’s 16GB!
From Trash to Treasure: Just Clear’s Discovery 🗑️🔍
Fortunately, Just Clear recognized the historical significance of their find and decided not to consign these relics to the scrap heap. Instead, the Q1 PCs are now proudly on display at Kingston University in Surrey, England, offering enthusiasts a rare opportunity to witness the birth of desktop computing.
Limited Engagement: Catch a Glimpse Before They’re Gone! ⏳👀
If you’re in the UK and eager to witness these technological artifacts in person, time is of the essence! The exhibition is only open until the end of February 17th. Afterward, the Q1 PCs are slated for either auction or private sale, closing the window on this unique chance to step back in time.
Intel’s 8008 CPU: The Heart of Innovation 💡💾
Delving deeper into the historical context, the Q1 Corporation’s development of the Q1 PCs coincided with Intel’s 8008 CPU, initially intended for Computer Terminal Corporation’s DataPoint 2200. However, due to delays, the 8008 CPU found its home in the Q1 PCs, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of desktop computing.
Legacy and Evolution: A Brief History Lesson 📜🚀
The Q1 Corporation, despite its early success, was acquired in 1974, just two years after releasing the Q1 PCs. The journey from single-chip microprocessors to today’s multi-core CPUs has been a fascinating one, spanning decades of technological advancements.
Preserving the Past for the Future 🌐🔄
As we marvel at the Q1 PCs’ humble specs, let’s appreciate the efforts of Just Clear in preserving these technological artifacts. Their discovery serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come in the world of computing and the importance of cherishing our technological heritage.
In an era dominated by sleek and powerful machines, these vintage Q1 PCs stand as a testament to the pioneers who laid the foundation for the digital age. As we bid farewell to this limited-time exhibit, let’s look forward to the next unexpected discovery that might unveil more secrets from the annals of technology.
FAQs
What is the Q1 PCs, and why is it considered a significant piece of computing history?
The Q1 PC is one of the world’s first desktop microcomputers, released in 1972 by Q1 Corporation. It is deemed historically significant for being among the pioneers of the computing revolution.
Are there plans for the Q1 PCs after the exhibition at Kingston University?
Following the exhibition, the Q1 PCs are expected to either go up for auction or be sold to a private buyer.
Where were the two Q1 PCs discovered, and who found them?
The Q1 PCs were found by house cleaners from the London-based waste firm Just Clear during a routine house clearance. The units were tucked away under random boxes.
What are the key specifications of the Q1 PCs Intel 8008 CPU?
The Q1 PCs is powered by the Intel 8008 CPU, an 8-bit processor with a clock speed of 800 kHz and a memory capacity of 16KB.
Why did Just Clear decide to preserve the Q1 PCs instead of scrapping them?
Recognizing the historical value, Just Clear opted to preserve the Q1 PCs rather than consigning them to the scrap heap, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate this piece of computing history.
Where can individuals in the UK view the Q1 PCs, and for how long will they be on display?
The Q1 PCs are currently on display at Kingston University in Surrey, England. However, this exhibition is only open until the end of February 17th.
What role did Intel’s 8008 CPU play in the development of the Q1 PC?
Originally intended for Computer Terminal Corporation’s DataPoint 2200, Intel’s 8008 CPU found its place in the Q1 PC due to delays in the CPU’s development.
How did the Q1 Corporation evolve after releasing the Q1 PC?
The Q1 Corporation, which released the Q1 PC in 1972, was acquired in 1974, just two years after its groundbreaking desktop microcomputer hit the market.
In the context of 1970s technology, how groundbreaking were the Q1 PC’s specifications?
In the 1970s, the Q1 PC’s specifications, including the 16KB memory and 800 kHz CPU, represented a significant leap in computing capabilities, despite being modest by today’s standards.
What does the discovery of the Q1 PCs reveal about the early days of desktop computing?
The discovery highlights the humble beginnings of desktop computing, shedding light on the pioneers who laid the foundation for the advanced technology we have today.
Affiliate Products
Mini PC’s
1: KAMRUI AK1 Plus Mini PC, Intel 12th Gen N95(up to 3.4GHz) Mini Desktop Computers
Discover the enhanced performance of the KAMRUI AK1PLUS, featuring a faster 12th generation Intel Alder Lake Quad-Core N95 processor, boasting a 30% increase in performance compared to its predecessor. This mini desktop excels in everyday tasks, ensuring a reliable and efficient computing experience. Equipped with Intel UHD Graphics and supporting 4K UHD video playback, it serves as a multimedia server, making it ideal for visual home entertainment, home office, and conference room setups. The internal 512GB M.2 SSD and 16GB DDR4 RAM provide quick boot-ups and file transfers, with an option to expand storage using a 2.5-inch SSD/HDD. The space-saving design, VESA bracket compatibility, and multiple connectivity options make it a versatile and stylish addition to any workspace. With features like dual-band WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet, and Bluetooth 4.2, this mini PC offers a seamless experience for various applications, from light gaming to image editing. Strengthen your workspace with a sleek and efficient solution that comes with a cool fan for optimal heat dissipation. KAMRUI AK1PLUS ensures customer satisfaction with lifetime technical support and a 12-month satisfaction service. Upgrade your computing experience with this innovative mini tower PC.
1
Elevating Professional Productivity in a Mini Tower Design
2:KAMRUI Ryzen Mini PC Gaming,32GB DDR5 Dual Channel 512GB
Experience the formidable KAMRUI AM08PRO Mini PC, featuring the AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS and AMD Radeon 680M, providing robust performance for productivity, office tasks, and medium-range gaming. Designed for various solutions such as education, home office, media center, and more, this mini computer offers three distinct modes—Silent, Auto, and Perf—to cater to different needs, from movie watching to intense gaming. With a vertical design and captivating RGB lighting effects, it not only saves space but also runs cool. Boasting 32GB DDR5 RAM and a 512GB PCIe 3.0 SSD, with the option to expand up to 64GB RAM and 2TB storage, the AM08PRO ensures efficient multitasking and smooth gameplay. The inclusion of two HDMI 2.0 and one Type-C ports supports triple monitors at 4K@60, enhancing work efficiency. Enjoy stable connectivity with the latest WiFi 6 and 1000 Mbps RJ45 interface, coupled with Bluetooth 5.2 for a clean, wireless desktop experience. Elevate your gaming and productivity with the KAMRUI AM08PRO, a compact powerhouse for diverse computing needs.
2
Elevating Gaming Productivity in a Mini Tower Design
Elevate your gaming and computing experience with GUNNAR’s premium gaming and computer glasses. Featuring patented lens technology (#9417460), these glasses block 65% of blue light, safeguarding your vision and reducing eye strain and headaches associated with prolonged screen exposure from tablets, computers, TVs, and phones. Designed for both men and women, GUNNAR glasses offer protection against a range of symptoms stemming from extended screen time, including migraines, dry eyes, blurry vision, and the negative effects of blue light exposure. Crafted for ergonomic comfort, GUNNAR’s lightweight frame ensures a full day of enjoyable screen viewing. Prioritize your eye health and enhance your gaming or work sessions with GUNNAR’s expertly designed eyewear.
2: GUNNAR Call of Duty Tactical Edition: Protect Your Eyes, Elevate Your Game
2
Optimize your vision, elevate your game:With Premium Gaming and Computer Glasses.
GUNNAR’s Call of Duty Tactical Edition glasses are a doctor-recommended solution for gamers and computer users. Designed to block 65% of harmful blue light, these glasses actively protect against eye strain, headaches, dry eyes, and other negative effects of extended screen time. The amber lenses, anti-reflective coating, and ergonomic unisex design ensure maximum visual clarity and enduring comfort.
Immerse yourself in the world of gaming or elevate your office productivity with the K1 RGB LED Backlit Keyboard and Mouse Combo. The full-size keyboard, boasting 104 keys, features a standard layout with F-keys and a number pad for seamless operation. The ergonomic design of the K1 ensures maximum comfort during extended use, effectively reducing hand fatigue. Its RGB LED backlight adds a touch of style with 8 colors, 5 modes, adjustable brightness, and speeds. The double-shot injection molding process guarantees durable, illuminated keycaps that remain vibrant over time. The high-resolution mouse, with 6 DPI levels, offers precise control in various scenarios. Its 7-color breathing LED backlight enhances the gaming experience. The combo ensures reliable performance with features like a waterproof USB 2.0 cable, gold-plated interface, and anti-interference magnet ring for stable data transmission. Crafted from durable ABS engineering plastic, this gaming keyboard is compatible with Windows, MAC, Linux, and more, making it a versatile choice for gamers and professionals alike. Plug and play with ease – no additional drivers or software required.
2: CORSAIR K70 MAX RGB Magnetic-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard: Elevate Your Gaming Experience
2
Elevate your gaming setup with RGB LED Backlit Gaming Keyboard
Immerse yourself in unparalleled gaming with the CORSAIR K70 MAX RGB Magnetic-Mechanical Wired Gaming Keyboard. Boasting fully adjustable CORSAIR MGX switches, fine-tune each key’s actuation point from a swift 0.4mm to a robust 3.6mm in 0.1mm increments, providing control for rapid keypresses or precise typing. Experience the innovation of dual-point actuation, allowing two distinct actions with one keypress for instantaneous combos. With CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing Technology, enjoy top-tier performance with inputs processed and transmitted up to 8x faster than conventional gaming keyboards, thanks to 8,000Hz hyper-polling.
The keyboard delivers a soft and satisfying typing experience with dual layers of sound dampening, meeting the preferences of keyboard enthusiasts. Designed for ultimate convenience, the K70 MAX features a volume roller, customizable RGB backlighting, hotkeys, and media keys. The package includes a magnetic leatherette-cushioned palm rest for comfort during extended gaming sessions. Connect seamlessly with USB-A or USB-C, and let the stunning black color and PBT double-shot keycaps elevate your gaming setup. Elevate your gaming prowess with the CORSAIR K70 MAX RGB, where precision meets performance.
Affiliate Products
Gaming Monitor
1: Sceptre 24-inch Professional Thin 1080p LED Monitor 99% sRGB 2x HDMI VGA Build-in Speakers, Machine Black
1
Elevate your gaming setup with Gaming Monitor
Sceptre 24-inch Professional Thin 1080p LED Monitor
Elevate your visual experience with the Sceptre 24-inch Professional Thin 1080p LED Monitor from the E248W-19203R Series. Boasting a screen size of 24 inches and a maximum display resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, this monitor delivers crisp and detailed visuals. With a remarkable 99% sRGB, it offers a broader color gamut compared to conventional monitors, ensuring deeper colors and defining features.
Featuring multiple ports including two HDMI ports and one VGA port, this monitor supports up to a 75Hz refresh rate, refining picture clarity for both gaming sequences and graphic design projects. The built-in speakers are perfectly suited for work and gaming settings, delivering robust and smooth audio while saving desk space.
Enjoy additional features like Blue Light Shift, reducing eye strain during prolonged use, and custom FPS (First Person Shooter) and RTS (Real-Time Strategy) game modes for an enhanced gaming experience. The VESA Hole Pattern (100mm x 100mm) allows for versatile mounting options. With a fast response time, up to a 75Hz refresh rate, and LED technology, the Sceptre 24-inch Professional Thin LED Monitor ensures a seamless and immersive viewing experience for various applications.
2: UltraWide QHD Monitor: Immersive Productivity with Advanced Features
Step into a world of expansive visuals with the PHILIPS 34E1C5600HE 34″ UltraWide QHD (WQHD) Monitor. Boasting a 3440 x 1440 resolution and a 21:9 aspect ratio, this monitor is designed for efficient productivity, providing a wider workspace. The 1500R radius curved VA panel enhances immersion and color accuracy, alleviating eye strain during extended work sessions.
Enjoy rich and true-to-life colors for both work and play with Ultra Wide-Color technology, offering an impressive sRGB coverage of 123.24% and NTSC coverage of 99.25%. The monitor features a built-in 5MP webcam with a noise-canceling microphone and speakers, making it ideal for remote working. The webcam supports advanced sensors for Windows Hello facial recognition, ensuring swift and secure logins.
With USB-C docking, this monitor simplifies connectivity, transferring high-speed data, high-resolution video signals, and power to your laptop through a single USB-C cable (up to 65W Power Delivery support). Game-ready at 100Hz, the monitor offers a fast refresh rate and Adaptive-Sync technology for smooth, precise gaming.
Optimize your workspace with the built-in USB hub, providing multiple ports including HDMI 2.0, DisplayPort 1.2, USB-C (DisplayPort Alt mode, data, and Power Delivery), and USB 3.2 Gen 1 & 4x USB-A downstream (with 1 fast charge B.C 1.2). Built-in 5W stereo speakers add convenience for video conferences or entertainment without the need for external speakers.
Prioritizing your well-being, the monitor includes features like LowBlue Mode to reduce harmful blue light and flicker-free technology to alleviate eye fatigue during extended use. Enjoy peace of mind with a 4-Year Advance Replacement Coverage in the United States, minimizing downtime. Elevate your workspace with the PHILIPS 34E1C5600HE for a seamless blend of performance and comfort.
3 Comments