The hp 85: hewlett packard's first personal computer

In the world of personal computers, Hewlett Packard (HP) has been a significant player since the early days. One of the milestones in HP's history was the release of their first explicitly categorized and marketed personal computer, the HP 8While the company had previously introduced programmable desktop calculators that could be considered early PCs, the HP 85 marked their official entry into the competitive PC market.

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The Birth of the HP 85

The HP 85 was introduced as a product targeting professionals rather than hobbyists. It was designed to be a versatile and reliable companion for individuals who needed a powerful computing tool both at work and at home. The company envisioned that the HP 85 would accompany its owner throughout the day, from the office to the comfort of their own home.

Released in 1979, the HP 85 boasted impressive specifications for its time. It featured a 5-inch CRT screen, a built-in thermal printer, and a full-size keyboard. The computer was powered by a 2 MHz processor and had 16 kilobytes of RAM, which was expandable to 32 kilobytes. It also came with a cassette drive for data storage and the capability to connect to other devices such as printers and plotters.

Features and Capabilities

The HP 85 was more than just a personal computer; it was a complete computing system. It ran on the HP-BASIC programming language, which allowed users to write and execute their own programs. This feature made the HP 85 a popular choice among professionals in various fields, including engineering, finance, and scientific research.

One of the standout features of the HP 85 was its graphics capabilities. It supported high-resolution graphics with a resolution of 512 x 240 pixels, which was impressive for its time. This made the computer suitable for tasks that required visual representation, such as technical drawings and data visualization.

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The HP 85 also had a range of input and output options, making it compatible with a wide variety of devices. It had multiple serial and parallel ports, allowing users to connect printers, plotters, and other peripherals. Additionally, it had a built-in cassette drive for data storage and retrieval.

The Impact and Legacy

The release of the HP 85 marked HP's official entry into the personal computer market. Despite facing stiff competition from established players like IBM and Apple, HP managed to carve out a niche for itself with the HP 8The computer was well-received by professionals who valued its reliability, versatility, and powerful capabilities.

The success of the HP 85 set the stage for HP's future endeavors in the personal computer industry. The company continued to innovate and release new models, further establishing itself as a key player in the market. Today, HP is known for its wide range of personal computers, laptops, and other computing devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What year was the HP 85 released?
    A: The HP 85 was released in 197
  • Q: What programming language did the HP 85 use?
    A: The HP 85 ran on the HP-BASIC programming language.
  • Q: Was the HP 85 popular among professionals?
    A: Yes, the HP 85 was popular among professionals in various fields, including engineering, finance, and scientific research.
  • Q: Did the HP 85 have graphics capabilities?
    A: Yes, the HP 85 supported high-resolution graphics with a resolution of 512 x 240 pixels.

The HP 85 was a groundbreaking product in Hewlett Packard's history, marking their official entry into the personal computer market. With its powerful capabilities, versatility, and reliability, the HP 85 became a popular choice among professionals in various industries. The success of the HP 85 laid the foundation for HP's future endeavors in the personal computer industry, solidifying their position as a key player in the market.

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