NEC announced its first personal computer, the PC-8001, in May 1979. This was a modular microcomputer system whose base configuration was a main unit with built-in keyboard, and other input/output devices could be added as options, including a CRT display, printer, cassette tape recorder, mini floppy disk drive and modem. The BASIC interactive programming language from Microsoft was written into ROM (max. 32 kilobytes), so even beginners could easily write programs.

Eight colours could be displayed with simple programming, and graphic features were enhanced. The system could handle a wide variety of characters and symbols, including ordinary alphanumeric characters, kana letters, English lower case letters and various symbols, and a full keyboard with numeric keypad was provided as the input device. It was also possible to connect devices like a CRT display, mini floppy disk drive and acoustic coupler, so the system could be used as a terminal device for a general-purpose computer.

ORIGIN   Japan
YEAR   1979
BUILT IN LANGUAGE   BASIC interpreter
KEYBOARD   Full-stroke keyboard with numeric keypad, 5 function keys, JIS standard layout
CPU   uPD 780c-1 (compatible with Z80)
SPEED   4 MHz
CO-PROCESSOR   ìPD3301D (CRT controller), ìPD8257C-5 (DMA controller)
RAM   16 KB (upgradable to 32 KB and 64 KB)
VRAM   3 KB
ROM   24 KB
TEXT MODES   36x20, 36x25, 40x20, 40x25, 72x20, 72x25, 80x20, 80x25
GRAPHIC MODES   160 x 100 (320 x 200 in option)
COLORS   8
SOUND   Built-in beeper
SIZE / WEIGHT   440 x 265 x 80 mm / 4 Kg
I/O PORTS   Centronics, RS232c, IEEE 488 (optional), cassette interface (600 baud)
BUILT IN MEDIA   One or two 5.25'' disk-drives (PC-8031)
OS   N-BASIC, CP/M optional
POWER SUPPLY   AC100V±10% 50/60Hz, 20w

Our unit is Model PC8001BE with a serial number of 3800280 BB

Manufacturer: NEC
Date: 1979

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH5375. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.