Special Report
Cost of a Computer the Year You Were Born
June 7, 2019 5:13 pm
Last Updated: January 6, 2020 3:56 am
1971
> Notable computer: Kenbak I
> Price tag: $750
> Inflation adjusted price: $4,659
Deemed to be the first personal computer by the Boston Computer Museum, the Kenbak I looks nothing like modern computers. The Kenback I was designed as an educational machine to teach students how to write programs.
1972
> Notable computer: HP 3000
> Price tag: $95,000
> Inflation adjusted price: $571,791
Hewlett-Packard’s 3000 was the company’s first foray into smaller business computers. The original 3000 was generally considered a failure, but the company would go on to make 20 different versions of the 3000 through 1993.
1973
> Notable computer: Wang 2200
> Price tag: $3,500
> Inflation adjusted price: $19,832
With the introduction of the Wang 2200, Wang Laboratories successfully transitioned from calculator manufacturer to computer company.
1974
> Notable computer: Scelbi-8H
> Price tag: $440
> Inflation adjusted price: $2,245
The Scelbi was initially advertised in the back of an amateur radio magazine in 1974. The product would only sell about 200 units and was discontinued before the end of the decade.
1975
> Notable computer: IBM 5100 Portable Computer
> Price tag: $8,975
> Inflation adjusted price: $41,970
At about 50 pounds, IBM’s 5100 Portable Computer was hardly portable by today’s standards. A decade earlier, a computer with the same processing capacity would weigh about half a ton.
Sponsored: Tips for Investing
A financial advisor can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of investment properties. Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Investing in real estate can diversify your portfolio. But expanding your horizons may add additional costs. If you’re an investor looking to minimize expenses, consider checking out online brokerages. They often offer low investment fees, helping you maximize your profit.