Janitors accidentally discover the world’s first two personal computers

The early history of personal computers is filled with overlooked facets still awaiting discovery. Amidst the myriad of small firms and private garage projects, various devices were created, many of which remain known solely to experts. While traces of certain devices have completely disappeared, only a few examples of others have been found. A case in point is the recent discovery by cleaners who found two units of the Q1 computer, unearthed unexpectedly.

The Pathway into Personal Computing

It is widely known that in 1971, Federico Faggin’s team at Intel introduced the first single-chip processor, the 4004, utilized in microcalculators. The more potent Intel 8080 processor was released in 1974, forming the foundation for MITS’s Altair 8800 personal computer development. The three years between these events, though less delineated, hold equal importance in the evolution of personal computers.

The Genesis of Personal Computers

However, the journey began a bit earlier. In December 1969, Computer Terminal Corporation (CTC) commissioned Intel to create a single-chip processor with a distinct CTC command set for the intellectual terminal DataPoint 2200. Intel couldn’t fulfil this contract, which led to the development of the 8008 processor, making its debut in 1972. Not wasting this effort, CTC completed the project independently, creating a processor with discrete TTL logic. The resulting DataPoint 2200 terminal effectively became a personal computer, albeit with its processor spread across the board.

Acting on this Intel 8008 processor, was the American company Q1. They launched their Q1 computer in December 1972, merely 8 months post the 8008 announcement. This made the Q1 computer the world’s first personal computer built on a single-chip processor. It had a processor frequency of 800 kHz and a memory volume equal to 16 KB. More recent Q1 versions implemented the Z80 microprocessor, developed by Faggin at Zilog. Key features of the Q1 lineup included quality assembly, a unique industrial design and aspect ratio, and neon-orange plasma displays.

Rediscovering Lost Technology

It was believed that no more than eight Q1 computer units existed globally, with three housed in various computer technology museums. Astonishingly, Kingston University in London recently acquired two such units. They were found by a cleaning company while tidying auxiliary rooms at a school. The computers, stored in dusty boxes, were in good condition. The University has preserved these discoveries in its computer history museum.

The video above showcases the exterior and interior of a later Q1-Lite-IWS model.