MITS INC., 1977

Serial no. 5400453A
Comprising main table unit with Altair 8800B, Altair hard disc controller, and MITS data keeper, IQ 120 video display terminal and keyboard in one unit, three large tape canisters by Scotch, two with labels for BASIC, and two boxes containing some original and some later photocopied manuals and program listings in archival files.

The Altair 8800 is widely recognized as the first commercially successful home computer kit. It was created by Ed Roberts, an American electronics enthusiast who founded Model Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS) initially to market calculator kits. Roberts managed to acquire Intel 8080 microchips at $75 each, significantly below their standard retail price of $350, which enabled him to offer the kit for under $400. Initially anticipating modest sales volume in the hundreds of units, being targeted at dedicated hobbyists, Roberts was astonished when thousands of kits were purchased within the first month.

The Altair 8800B, an improved version of the original Altair 8800, featured a more robust and professionally designed chassis, with enhanced ventilation and access. It included a higher-capacity and more reliable power supply, an upgraded motherboard that supported more memory and improved performance, and a redesigned front panel for better usability. The upgrades made the 8800B a more flexible and reliable platform for users.

Table unit and terminal measuring 4' wide, 2'8" deep, 3'3¹⁄₂" high

Please note that all property in this sale is currently located in Seattle and will ship from Seattle, and that the total purchase price will be subject to the applicable state sales tax. All post-sale matters for the online sale (inclusive of invoicing and property pickup/shipment) will be handled by Christie's. Please contact GenOne@christies.com for more information.

This lot is subject to additional disclaimers. Please carefully review Section E(2), subsection (h) “Vintage Computers and Machines”.