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IMSAI
8080 (USA 1975)
 The
IMSAI 8080 is one of the first home computers for hobby use. It was
sold as a kit to build or as a ready to use unit. A similar
computer, the Altair 8800, was released only months before the IMSAI.
The IMSAI was however the most commercially successful of the two.
The micro processor was of course an Intel 8080 running at 2 MHz,
maximum 64 k memory could be used.
The case includes
a big power supply and a "motherboard" with S-100 slots. And of
course the nice front panel with the big red and blue toggle
switches that gives IMSAI the typical -70 look. If you have seen the
classic computer movie WarGames (1983) this computer has an
important part in the movie.
 I
think my IMSAI 8080 has a real cool serial number. 101110 is
a nice binary number, that's 46 decimal. Pity it wasn't 42,
the answer to everything, according to Douglas Adams in "The
Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy" ;-)
IMS Associates, Inc.
of San Leandro, California, who manufactured this computer
went bankrupt in 1979.
Fischer-Freitas Company in Orangevale, California took
over the support and can still provide parts and service.
There is also a new version of the 8080 with USB connectors
on the front!
 Click
to se a big picture of AMSAI 8080!
This computer kindly donated by
Tommy Petersson
 Check
out some nice stills from the movie WarGames from 1983. You can say this
computer has an substantial impact on the movie plot.
Click here! |
