Technology · 2
In what year did IBM release the first IBM PC?
Answer
1981
IBM released the IBM Personal Computer (IBM PC) on August 12, 1981, priced at $1,565 and featuring a 16-bit Intel processor. The IBM PC became the dominant standard for personal computing and helped establish the x86 architecture that remains central to computing today. Importantly, IBM's decision to use off-the-shelf components and allow third-party manufacturers to create compatible machines inadvertently enabled competitors like Compaq and Dell to clone the design, fragmenting IBM's control and shifting market dominance to Microsoft's Windows operating system.
💡 Did you know?
IBM's open architecture strategy backfired—allowing compatible clones ultimately gave Microsoft Windows and x86 manufacturers control of the PC market.
Other options people guess
- 1978
- 1980
- 1983
Topics
- computing
- history
- ibm
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