Processor Technology

Processor Technology Sol-20 Computer designed by Bob Marsh, Lee Felsenstein and Gordon French

Processor Technology was an early American company that played a significant role in the development of the personal computer industry. Founded in 1975 by Gary Ingram and Bob Marsh in Berkeley, California, Processor Technology became one of the first companies to produce microcomputer kits aimed at the hobbyist market, contributing significantly to the home computer revolution of the late 1970s.

History

Processor Technology was established during a period of rapid innovation and growth in the field of personal computing. The company's founders were inspired by the introduction of the Altair 8800, a microcomputer kit produced by MITS, and saw an opportunity to enter the burgeoning market with their own products. Processor Technology's initial offering was the VDM-1 (Video Display Module), a hardware add-on for the Altair 8800 that allowed users to connect a video monitor to their computers, a significant advancement at the time.

Following the success of the VDM-1, Processor Technology launched the SOL-20 computer in 1976. The SOL-20 was one of the first personal computers to feature a built-in keyboard and a composite video output, making it more accessible and appealing to a broader audience. The SOL-20 was well-received and is considered a classic example of early personal computing hardware.

Products

Processor Technology's product line was focused on the needs of the hobbyist and educational markets. Key products included:

• VDM-1 (Video Display Module): Allowed for video output to a monitor, a novel feature at the time.
• SOL-20: An all-in-one personal computer that included a keyboard and the ability to connect to a television as a display, making it a pioneer in user-friendly design.
• 3P+S: A peripheral processor and storage system designed to expand the capabilities of the SOL-20 and other early personal computers.

Impact and Legacy

Processor Technology played a crucial role in the early days of the personal computing revolution. By making computers more accessible and user-friendly, the company helped to expand the market beyond hobbyists and into schools, small businesses, and homes. Although Processor Technology ceased operations in 1979 due to financial difficulties, its innovations had a lasting impact on the industry. The SOL-20, in particular, is remembered as a milestone in the evolution of personal computers, demonstrating the potential of these machines to become integral parts of daily life.

The company's approach to making technology accessible and understandable to the general public paved the way for future innovations in personal computing. Processor Technology's emphasis on user-friendly design principles is echoed in the products of later companies, such as Apple and Microsoft.

See Also

• Altair 8800
• Home computer
• Microcomputer revolution
• Personal computer