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Top rated computing industry history

AI-generated summary · updated July 27, 2026 · verify details before purchase.

  1. First PC

    IBM 5150 PC

    ~$3,000 (1981)

    Launched in 1981, it set the standard for personal computing with an open architecture that spawned the PC-compatible industry.

    • Industry standard
    • Open architecture
    • Expandable
    • High initial cost
    • Limited graphics
  2. GUI pioneer

    Apple Macintosh (1984)

    ~$2,495 (1984)

    Revolutionized personal computing with a graphical user interface and mouse, making computers accessible to non-technical users.

    • User-friendly GUI
    • Innovative design
    • Influential
    • Expensive
    • Limited software
  3. Best-selling home computer

    Commodore 64

    ~$595 (1982)

    Best-selling single computer model of all time, affordable and with excellent sound and graphics for gaming and learning.

    • Low price
    • Great sound/chip
    • Large software library
    • Limited RAM
    • Outdated quickly
  4. Gaming console revival

    Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)

    ~$199 (1985)

    Revived the video game industry after the 1983 crash, with iconic games and a durable design.

    • Classic game library
    • Durable hardware
    • Legacy
    • Graphics dated by today
    • Controller layout
  5. Business laptop standard

    IBM ThinkPad 700C

    ~$4,350 (1992)

    Set the benchmark for business laptops with its iconic design, excellent keyboard, and robust build quality.

    • Best keyboard
    • Rugged design
    • TrackPoint
    • Very expensive
    • Heavy
  6. First successful PDA

    Palm Pilot 1000

    ~$299 (1996)

    Popularized personal digital assistants with a simple interface, handwriting recognition, and easy syncing.

    • Easy to use
    • Good battery life
    • Sync with PC
    • Small screen
    • Limited apps
  7. Portable music revolution

    Apple iPod (1st gen)

    ~$399 (2001)

    Changed how people listen to music with a sleek design, large capacity, and intuitive scroll wheel.

    • Large storage
    • Easy navigation
    • Sleek design
    • Non-replaceable battery
    • FireWire only initially
  8. Smartphone era starter

    iPhone (1st gen)

    ~$499 (2007)

    Redefined the smartphone with a multi-touch interface, full web browsing, and a revolutionary app ecosystem.

    • Multi-touch screen
    • Mobile Safari
    • App Store later
    • No 3G initially
    • No copy/paste
  9. Affordable single-board computer

    Raspberry Pi Model B

    ~$35 (2012)

    Democratized computing by offering a cheap, credit-card-sized computer for education and hobbyist projects.

    • Very affordable
    • Educational
    • Huge community
    • Limited power
    • No storage included

Buying advice

When choosing a historic computing device, consider its impact on the industry, innovation, and legacy rather than raw specs. Many of these products are collectible; check condition and functionality before purchasing.

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