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Sinclair ZX80
This device was developed and launched by Science of Cambridge Ltd. (eventually known as Sinclair Research). It was notable for it affordability and size compared to the earlier home computers. It gad a Z80 microprocessor and built-in BASIC language interpreter and the output was displayed on the user's home TV through an adapter. -
3.5-inch Floppy Disks
Sony introduced the first 3.5-inch floppy drive and disks in 1981. The 3.5-inch floppy disks eventually became the standard size, as opposed to the larger 5+-inch disks that preceded it and the other similarly-sized ones that were developed around the same time. Hewlett-Packard started using this size in 1982, which created momentum for the 3.5-inch floppy disk to be the only one left standing by the 1990s. -
Apple's Lisa Computer
Apple's Lisa computer was the first commercial personal computer with a graphical user interface. Microsoft Windows and Apple both began using GUI for their user interfaces.The Lisa had 1MB of RAM and a 5MB hard drive. Plus, I think this invention is extra cool after seeing the Steve Jobs movie's fictionalization of this invention! -
Development of C++
The C++ programming language was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup of AT&T Bell Labs. The language eventually became the dominant object-oriented language in the computer industry. It combined low-level features of earlier languages with more high-level capabilities allowing for more complex program development. C++ grew out of C and paved the way for upcoming language developments like Python and others. -
Macintosh Portable
The Macintosh Portable was the first truly portable computer designed and sold by Apple. It was sold from September 1989 through October 1991. It was the first battery-powered Macintosh but did not sell particularly well, being extremely expensive (about $6,500) and being very heavy and bulky.