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Birth
Ed Roberts was born in Miami, Florida. -
Early Interest in Computers
During his years of high school, Roberts developed his interest and passion for electronics and computers. In fact, he had built a smal relay-based computer during this time! -
College
He began college at the University of Miami with the intention of becoming a doctor, but eventually changed his major to electrical engineering. -
Enlisted in U.S. Air Force
Roberts enlisted in the United States Air Force because they offered to pay for his schooling. Roberts had a wife and a child now, and could no longer pay for his own education. -
U.S. Air Force
Roberts was finally selected to finish his degree in electrical engineering and was chosen to become a comissioned officer. -
Finished Degree
Roberts completed his education and received a degree in electrical engineering from Oklahoma State University. Following graduation, he was assigned to work at the Laser Division of the Weapons Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico. -
Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS)
After an article being published in "Model Rocketry", Roberts had the idea to work with Forrest Mims, Stan Cagle, and Bob Zaller to create a new company. This company would design and sell electrical kits to model rocket enthusiasts. They called it Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS). During the beginning of the company's existence, they were very unsuccessful within their sales. -
MITS Sold to Pertec
MITS was sold to Pertec Computer. Ed Robert's share was between two to three million dollars. -
LED Communicator
In "Popular Electronics" magazine, MITS had published an article with regards to their new technology: a LED Communicator. It would sell for $15. -
Model 816 Calculator
MITS's newest product, the Model 816 calculator kit, was advertised on the cover of "Popular Electronics". -
BOOMING Business
MITS's had monthly sales over $100,000, and sold every calculator they could make! -
MITS Debt
By this time, Texas Instruments invented the TI-2500 calculator. This put MITS in approximately $300,000 worth of debt due to this invention. -
Popularity of Altair 8800
The Altair 8800 was advertised in the 1975 January edition of "Popular Electronics". There were so many orders, MITS needed to hire people to simply answer incoming phone calls! -
Altair Basics
MITS signed a contract with Bill Gates and Paul Allen for Altair Basics. -
Over 5,000 Computers!
By August, MITS has shipped over 5,000 computers. This is many more than that had expected to produce and sell. -
Altair 8800
MITS premiered their first personal computer at a convention. The computer's offical name was created at this convention by Les Solomon's 12 year old daughter, the Altair computer. -
Death
Ed Roberts passed away in Georgia with his family due to several month's battle with pneumonia.