I'd like to briefly build on the discussion with a mention of Old-Computers http://www.old-computers.com/ This hobby site is both interesting and comprehensive, both for personal computers and gaming consoles. The computer "history" section only has 3 years in it (77-79), but the "museum" has computers dating back to 1960. I would highly recommend the pictures section (the "Fun" menu). They include a number of old advertisements and make a number of astute comments, particularly regarding the placement of girls in the ads (often looking frustrated). By the way - if you browse the museum you'll note they have a listing by year and as it turns out: "In 1960, Heath Company launched the Heathkit EC-1, the first analogue computer (almost) anyone could afford." http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?st=1&c=787 And it notes the PDP-8 was released in 1965. Take Care, BERNiE You'll note that Roger Clark wrote the message below on 9/12/04 8:44 PM.
Actually, I made my first "personal computer" in 1967. It consisted of lights on a pegboard. You dialed a wheel to add or subtract, and the lights would turn on in the tens, hundreds, and thousands column. I doubt that was the computer the students had in mind, though.
Dr. Roger W. Clark