The 1981 IBM Personal Computer Press Release

The new IBM Personal Computer system for home and school use is shown in Aug. 1981. The expandable system includes a monitor screen, printer and disk drives. (AP Photo)

Editor's Note: This is a portion of the original 1981 press release issued by IBM.

IBM (Information Systems Division, Entry Systems Business) Press Release, August 12, 1981

PERSONAL COMPUTER ANNOUNCED BY IBM

NEW YORK, Aug. 12 -- IBM Corporation today announced its smallest, lowest-priced commuter system -- the IBM Personal Computer.

Designed for business, school and home, the easy-to-use system sells for as little as $1,565. It offers many advanced features and, with optional software, may use hundreds of popular application programs.

The IBM Personal Computer will be sold through participating ComputerLand dealers and Sears, Roebuck and Co.'s new business machine stores beginning this fall. It will also be sold through IBM Product Centers and a special sales unit in the company's Data Processing Division.

"This is the computer for just about everyone who has ever wanted a personal system at the office, on the university campus or at home," said C.B. Rogers, Jr., IBM vice president and group executive, General Business Group. "We believe its performance, reliability and ease of use make it the most advanced, affordable personal computer in the marketplace."

IBM has designed its Personal Computer for the first-time or advanced user, whether a business-person in need of accounting help or a student preparing a term paper.

An enhanced version of the popular Microsoft BASIC programming language and easily understood operation manuals are included with every system. They make it possible to begin using the computer within hours and to develop personalized programs quickly.

The entire press release is available here.

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