Altair

computer

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Last updated

June 18, 2026

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The Altair was a groundbreaking early personal computer kit released in January 1975 by Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS). It was a pivotal product that saved MITS from bankruptcy and ignited the personal computer revolution.1

The Altair was a bare-bones machine, featuring a CPU board with 256 bytes of memory and a front panel for programming via switches. It lacked a keyboard, video terminal, or software, requiring users to input programs in assembly language and interpret results through flashing lights. Despite its limitations, the Altair inspired a generation of hobbyists and entrepreneurs, fostering the development of peripherals and laying the groundwork for the personal computer industry. It was a crucial step in making computing accessible beyond large institutions.123

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computer
The Altair
In September 1973 Radio Electronics published an article describing a “TV Typewriter,” which was a computer terminal that could connect a hobbyist with a mainframe computer. It was written by Don Lancaster, an aerospace engineer and fire spotter in Arizona who was also a…
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In September 1973 Radio Electronics published an article describing a “TV Typewriter,” which was a computer terminal that could connect a hobbyist with a mainframe computer. It was written by Don Lancaster, an aerospace engineer and fire spotter in Arizona who was also a…
Read More

personal computer
From hobby computers to Apple
…the first personal computer, the Altair. This computer, which used Intel Corporation’s 8080 microprocessor, was developed in 1974. Though the Altair was popular among computer hobbyists, its commercial appeal was limited.
Read More
…the first personal computer, the Altair. This computer, which used Intel Corporation’s 8080 microprocessor, was developed in 1974. Though the Altair was popular among computer hobbyists, its commercial appeal was limited.
Read More