IBM PC

Now let's look at one of the most famous of early microcomputers, the IBM PC.

After using the Apple in my work, I was fortunate to be among the very first in Singapore to test out an IBM PC to see if we can use it for development work and whether we could recommend and sell it to our customers.

Specifications of the IBM PC was as follows:

  • CPU - 8088 running at 4.7MHz (if I remembered correctly)
  • RAM Memory of 16K to 256K
  • VDU - monochrome, 24 x 80 and colour avaliable, 16 colours for text
  • Graphics - 4 colour 320 x 200, black and white 640 x 200 resolution
  • Input-Output - cassette
  • Diskette capacity - 5.25" diskette of 160k

    IBM PS/2

    Specifications of the IBM PS/2 was as follows:

  • CPU - 8086 running at 8MHz
  • RAM Memory of 640K
  • VDU - monochrome and colour
  • Graphics - CGA mode 256 colours
  • Input-Output - no longer apply
  • Diskette capacity - 5.25" diskette drive avaliable, even fixed disk is now avaliable.
  • Note IBM PC DOS 3.3

    This is the start of a legend.

    After IBM PC which uses the Intel 8088, there is the IBM XT using the Intel 8086, followed by the 286, 386, 486, Pentium II and the Pentium III of today.

    To proceed to the IBM PC Page

    To return to the Early Microcomputers in Singapore Page

    RETURN TO THE HOME PAGE OF HS LIM