Chronology of Events
in the
History of Microcomputers

Last updated: 1997 JAN 16

1987

January

• Microsoft France releases a French version of Multiplan 3.0 for the IBM PC. [346.119]
• Lotus Development files a lawsuit against Paperback Software (maker of VP-Planner) and Mosaic Software (maker of The Twin), claiming infringement of copyrights over the look and feel of 1-2-3. [116] [217]
• Microsoft begins shipping Microsoft Word 3.0 for the Macintosh. [346.140]
• Byte by Byte releases Animate 3-D for the Amiga. [442.35]
• Apple Computer introduces the Apple Platinum IIe. [218]

February

• Cauzin abandons the Cauzin SoftStrips product. [582.202]
• Intel introduces the 20-MHz 80386DX microprocessor. [62]
• Commodore announces the Amiga 500. It features a 68000 processor, 512KB RAM, floppy disk drive, and custom chips for animation, video, and audio. [16] [442.40]
• Commodore announces the Amiga 2000. [16]

March

• Apple Computer introduces 800KB floppy drives for the Macintosh. [582.95]
• Apple Computer introduces the open architecture Macintosh II. It uses a 16-MHz 68020 processor. The basic system sells for US$3900. A system with 1MB RAM, one 800K floppy drive, and a 40MB hard drive is priced at US$5500. The system features a plug-and-play architecture for expansion cards. [16] [41] [46] [75] [120] [140] [203.68] [593.350] [597.94]
• Apple Computer introduces the expandable Macintosh SE. It uses a 8-MHz 68000 processor, and comes with 1 MB of RAM. A dual floppy system sells for US$2900. With a 20 MB hard drive, price is about US$3800. [16] [46] [75] [120] [593.350] [597.94]
• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh 512K Enhanced. [597.94]
• Apple Computer introduces NuBus as the Mac's standard bus. [178]
• U.S. Robotics unveils its 9600 bps Courier HST modem, for US$995. BBS sysops can purchase the modem for US$495. [111]
• Aegis Development releases VideoScape 3D for the Amiga. [442.35]

April

• IBM introduces the IBM Personal System/2 (PS/2) line, with IBM's first 386 PC, and 3.5-inch floppy drives as standard. The PS/2 Model 30 uses a 8-MHz 8086, the Model 50 and 60 use the 10-MHz 80286, and the Model 80 uses a 20-MHz 80386. [35] [75] [116] [120] [203.27] [205.34] [330.132] [346.199] [346.269] [415.59]
• IBM unveils its Video Graphics Array (VGA) in its Model 50 and higher of the PS/2 line. VGA offers 256 simultaneous colors at a resolution of 320x200, and 16 colors at 640x480. The colors displayed have six bits of depth for each primary color, giving a palette of 262,144 different colors to select from. [116] [120] [346.199]
• IBM unveils its Multicolor Graphics Array (MCGA) on its PS/2 Model 30. The MCGA is limited to 64K of memory, limiting 640x480 resolution to just 2 colors, but still allowing 320x200 in 256 colors. [116]
• IBM introduces its Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) on its Model 50 and higher of the PS/2 line. [116] [346.199] [346.269] [415.59] [522.165]
• IBM and Microsoft announce Operating System/2 (OS/2). [16] [31] [41] [123] [130] [146] [150] [346.200] [346.269] [379.256] [389.28] [415.59]
• IBM announces the 8514/A Display Adapter, a high-resolution graphics card for the MCA PS/2 line. The 8514/A adds 1024x768 in 16 colors to the standard VGA, at a cost of US$1290. With the addition of a US$270 Memory Expansion Kit, 640x480 and 1024x768 resolutions can be had in 256 colors. [117]
• IBM announces the 8514 16-inch monitor, for US$1550. [117]
• IBM announces DOS 3.3 for PCs, for US$120. It adds support for 1.44 MB floppy disks, and multiple 32 MB hard drive partitions. [117] [146] [329.113] [346.254]
• Microsoft announces Microsoft Windows 2.0. [123] [137]
• IBM ships TopView 1.12. [130]
• Advanced Micro Devices files suit against Intel, claiming Intel had breached contractual obligations in a 1982 technology sharing agreement between the two companies. [141]

May

• PC MOS 1.0 ships. [130]
• Quarterdeck Office Systems ships DESQview 2.0. [130]
• Microsoft releases Excel 1.04 for the Macintosh II. [346.269]

June

• Casady & Greene release QuickDex for the Macintosh, for US$35. [582.200]
• IBM withdraws TopView from the market. [346.285] (1986 [383.14])
• Atari introduces the Atari XE Game System, with 64KB RAM, supporting 256KB game cartridges. [319]
• Microsoft and IBM release the OS/2 developers' kit. [493.65]
• Microsoft sells its 500,000th mouse. [346.269]

July

• WordPerfect creates an Amiga/Atari division within the company. [330.107]
• IBM ships the first 8514/A adapters, PS/2 systems, and VGA cards. [307.110]
• Microsoft acquires Forethought, maker of the PowerPoint presentation graphics program for the Macintosh. [346.269]
• WordPerfect ships WordPerfect for the Amiga for US$400. [330.109]
• Zilog introduces its Z-280 16-bit version of the Z-80 CPU. [32]
• Sun Microsystems introduces its first SPARC-based system, the Sun-4/260, with 10 MIPS performance. [160] [176.75]
• Sun Microsystems offers licenses for its SPARC microprocessor architecture. [171.80] (OCT [174.56])
• Apple Computer creates the company Claris, to handle some of Apple Computer's software for the Apple II and Macintosh. [218] [419.75]
• IBM ships the first PS/2 Model 80 systems. [307.134]

August

• Raymond Lau releases Stuffit file archive utility for the Macintosh, for US$15. [582.199]
• IBM introduces the PS/2 Model 25, with an 8-MHz Intel 8086, combined system unit with monitor, no hard drive, and reduced-size keyboard, starting at US$1350. [118] [120]
• Microsoft ships MS-DOS 3.3. [130]
• Apple Computer introduces HyperCard, MultiFinder 5.0, and AppleFax Modem for the Macintosh, at the Macworld Expo. [140] [180.247] [320.36] [413.196] [593.350]
• Tandy introduces the Tandy 1000 TX, 1000 HX, 1400 LT, and 4000. [319.43]
• The Association of Shareware Professionals (ASP) is formed. [10]

September

• Microsoft ships Microsoft Bookshelf, its first CD-ROM application. [123]
• Lotus Development announces Lotus 1-2-3 for the Macintosh. [346.170]

October

• Lotus Development ships Lotus 1-2-3 2.01 for MS-DOS. [502.49]
• Microsoft unveils the Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for Windows. [119] [123] [346.204] [389.28] [477.159] (NOV [346.270])
• Microsoft ships Microsoft Works for DOS. [346.236] (s1988 MAR [346.270])
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Windows/386, priced at US$195. [120] [130] [477.159] (NOV [346.270])
• Microsoft ships Windows 2.0. [75] [130] [346.193] [346.206] [477.159] (v2.03 [136]) (NOV [146] [346.270])
• Compaq Computer introduces the 20-MHz Compaq Deskpro 386/20. [119]
• Compaq Computer introduces the 20-MHz Compaq Portable 386. [119]
• WordPerfect ships WordPerfect for the Atari ST for US$400. [330.109]
• Ven-Tel unveils its EC18K-34 modem, which it claims can operate at up to 18,000 bps, with data compression achieving a throughput of 19,200 bps on normal voice phone lines. The cost of the modem is US$1400. [120]
• Ad Lib Incorporated unveils its Ad Lib Personal Computer Music System for US$245. The card provides FM synthesis with 11 simultaneous voices. [120]
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Word 4.0 for the PC. [346.270] (SEP [502.49])
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Word 3.0 for the Macintosh. [346.270]

November

• Borland International ships the Quattro spreadsheet program, including emulation of Lotus 1-2-3 commands. This emulation will result in a nine-year legal battle over "look and feel" with Lotus Development. [453.4]
• Compaq Computer makes its 1 millionth personal computer. [47] [113]
• IBM reports that it has shipped 1 million PS/2 systems. [327.26]
• Impulse releases Silver 2.0 for the Amiga. [442.37]

December

• Microsoft ships the one millionth copy of Windows. [346.270]
• Microsoft releases OS/2 1.0. [346.270] [379.256]
• IBM ships first copies of OS/2 Standard Edition 1.0. [31] [75] [130] [134] [135] [329.5] (NOV [146])

(month unknown)

• Commodore launches its first IBM PC-compatible machines, the PC10-1 and PC10-2. Both use a 4.77 MHz Siemens 8088. [115]

(month unknown)

• Phar Lap Software and Quarterdeck Office Systems develop the Virtual Control Program Interface (VCPI), to allow 80386 protected-mode DOS extended applications to coexist with 80386-specific memory managers [511.366]

(month unknown)

• Intel introduces the 80387 math coprocessor. [511.312]

(month unknown)

• Letraset releases ImageStudio, the first commercial, gray-scale image-editing program for the Macintosh. [582.94]

(month unknown)

• Motorola unveils the 68030 microprocessor. [120]

(month unknown)

• U.S. Robotics introduces the Courier HST 9600 modem. [235]

(month unknown)

• IBM discontinues the IBM PC line. [203.28]

(month unknown)

• Linus introduces the WriteTop microcomputer, the first pen-based computer. It runs MS-DOS, uses an 8088 processor, and weighs 9 pounds. [421.130]

(month unknown)

• Hewlett-Packard releases the HP PaintJet color inkjet printer. [533.170]

1988

January

• Impulse releases Turbo Silver 3.0 for the Amiga. [442.37]
• Spectrum Holobyte introduces Tetris, the first entertainment software imported from the Soviet Union. [307.98]

February

• Apple Computer ships A/UX for the Macintosh II, Apple Computer's combination of the Mac interface with UNIX. [46] [75]
• Compaq Computer reports sales for the year reach US$1.2 billion, setting the record as the fastest company to reach that mark. [113]

March

• Apple Computer sues Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard for copyright infringement regarding Microsoft's Windows 2.03, Hewlett-Packard's NewWave, and the Macintosh OS. [38] [46] [75] [309.256] [328.15] [346.193] [346.270] [477.160] [548.337] [580.191]
• The Open Software Foundation is founded. [153] (MAY [160])

April

• Intel introduces the 25-MHz 80386DX microprocessor. Speed is 8.5 MIPS. [62]
• Motorola unveils the 88000 processor. [160]
• Weitek introduces the Weitek 3167 math coprocessor chip as an enhancement to Intel's 386 CPU. The 3167 is a single chip equivalent to Weitek's earlier 1167 circuit board coprocessor. [511.319]

May

• WordPerfect ships WordPerfect 5.0 for US$500. [502.49]
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Excel 1.5 for the Macintosh. [346.170]
• Lotus Development ships the four millionth copy of Lotus 1-2-3. [346.270]
• Apple Computer contracts with Quantum Computer Services to create the AppleLink - Personal Edition (later renamed America Online). [218]

June

• Lotus Development ceases production of Lotus Jazz. [582.200]
• An article in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine reports that pregnant women who worked with computer screens for more than 20 hours per week were 80% more likely to suffer miscarriage than women who did not use VDTs. [558.142]
• IBM announces the PS/2 Model 70, as 16-, 20-, and 25-MHz 80386 systems. [131]
• Microsoft ships Windows 2.1 as Windows/286 and Windows/386. [136] [146] (1987 [45])
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 4.0, including a graphical/mouse interface. [346.255]
• Intel introduces the 16-MHz 80386SX microprocessor, like the 80386 but with a 16-bit data bus. Price is US$219 each, in quantities of 100. Speed is 2.5 MIPS. [177.103] [296] [477.126] [540.64] [62]

July

• Lotus Development ships Agenda. [307.87]
• IBM ships OS/2 Extended Edition 1.0. [31]
• IBM ships DOS 4.0. It adds a shell menu interface and support for hard disk partitions over 32 MB. [31] [146]

September

• Apple Computer introduces the Apple IIc Plus for US$1100. [46] [593.350] (APR [75]) (US$675 [218])
• IBM introduces the IBM PS/2 Model 30 286, using the AT-bus. It features a 10-MHz 286, 512KB RAM, VGA, and 20MB hard drive. [133] [308.40]
• Claris releases AppleWorks 2.1. [218]
• 61 companies support the formation of the Extended Industry Standard Architecture (EISA). Companies include Compaq Computer, AST, Epson, Hewlett-Packard, NEC Technologies, Olivetti, Tandy, Wyse, Zenith, Microsoft. [113] [157] [308.40] [346.199] [346.271] [522.167]
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh IIx computer, using Motorola's 16-MHz 68030 and 68882 processors. Base price is US$7770 with a 1.4 MB SuperDrive floppy drive, and 4 MB RAM, or US$9200 including an 80 MB hard drive. [46] [75] [593.350] [597.95]
• Apple Computer releases GS/OS, a 16-bit operating system for the Apple IIGS. [218]
• SPEC is formed, with the aim of producing a benchmark based on a standard set of real-life applications programs. [156]
• Tandy ships the first MCA-bus-based clone PC, the Tandy 5000 MC. [133]
• Compaq Computer introduces its first laptop PC with VGA graphics, the Compaq SLT/286. It has a 12-MHz 286, 640KB RAM, 20-40MB hard drive, 3.5-inch disk drive, and built-in 10-inch grayscale LCD VGA screen. Price is up to US$5800. [133] [308.37]

October

• Microsoft releases QuickBASIC 4.5. [539.PC-20]
• Symantec ships Q&A for OS/2. [522.41]
• Apple Computer and Quantum Computer Services launch the AppleLink Personal Edition computer network. [316.22]
• Microsoft and IBM ship OS/2 1.1 Standard Edition with Presentation Manager. [16] [45] [123] [134] [135] [313.105] [379.256] [477.160] [522.41]
• Microsoft releases OS/2 LAN Manager for networked PCs. [346.271]
• Steve Jobs of NeXT Inc. unveils the first NeXT computer, at the Davis Symphony Hall in San Francisco. For US$6500, it features: 25-MHz Motorola 68030 processor and 68882 math coprocessor, 8MB RAM, 17-inch monochrome monitor, 256MB read/write magneto-optical drive, and true object-oriented NextStep operating system. [139] [170.65] [191.76] [203.7] [206.289] [344] [346.280] (AUG [11])

November

• Ashton-Tate sues Fox Software and Santa Cruz Operations for infringing copyrights on the dBase language. [25] [148] [548.344]
• The Ami word processor for Windows is released. [477.160]
• Microsoft releases MS-DOS 4.01. [146]
• Byte by Byte releases Sculpt Animate 4-D for the Amiga. [442.35]

(month unknown)

• Solbourne Computer Incorporated is the first vendor to produce a Sun-compatible SPARC-based computer. [173.81]

(month unknown)

• Compaq Computer and other companies form the "Gang of Nine", to improve on the AT-bus, rather than take IBM's approach of abandoning it. [203.29]

(month unknown)

• Digital Research transforms CP/M into DR DOS. [478.3]

(month unknown)

• Toshiba introduces the T1600 16-MHz 286 portable. [313.36]

(month unknown)

• Intel ships the i960KB, a quasi-RISC processor. [556.24]

(month unknown)

• Digital Equipment begins development of a 64-bit microprocessor. The chip will debut as the 150-MHz Alpha 21064 in 1992. [386.61]

(month unknown)

• The bus standard used on IBM AT compatibles is given the name Industry Standard Architecture (ISA). [545.355]

(month unknown)

• W.H. Sim founds Creative Labs, Inc., in California, USA, a subsidiary of Creative Technology. [221]

(month unknown)

• Atari sues Nintendo, accusing it of engaging in monopolistic practices. [548.364]

(month unknown)

• U.S. Robotics introduces the Courier Dual Standard modem, supporting both v.32 and HST protocols, and the Courier v.32 modem. Prices are US$1600 and US$1500, respectively. [235] [313.34]

(month unknown)

• Tandy announces Thor CD, an erasable compact disk system for music, video, or data. [306.33]

(month unknown)

• Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP DeskJet inkjet printer. Price: US$1000. [309.89] [315.48]

(month unknown)

• Tandy acquires GRiD Systems. [510.41]

(month unknown)

• Adobe ships Adobe Illustrator 88 for the Macintosh. [582.92]

(month unknown)

• Aldus ships Aldus FreeHand for the Macintosh. [582.92]

(month unknown)

• Novell ships Netware for the Macintosh. [582.92]

1989

January

• Intel introduces the 20-MHz 80386SX microprocessor. Speed is 2.5 MIPS. [62]
• Commodore announces that 1 million Amiga computers have been sold. [412.6]
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh SE/30, with MS-DOS and OS/2 disk compatibility. It uses a 16-MHz 68030 processor, and comes with 4-MB RAM and 1.4 MB SuperDrive floppy drive, for US$4370. Price with an 80 MB hard drive is US$6500. [46] [593.350] [597.95]
• Digital Equipment introduces its first RISC-based workstation, the DECstation 3100, using the 16.7-MHz R2000 MIPS Technologies processor. [155] [160]
• Microsoft releases Quick Pascal, designed to compete with Borland International's Turbo Pascal.

February

• Santa Cruz Operations announces the Open Desktop user interface for 80386-based UNIX systems. [309.256]

March

• Apple Computer introduces its Macintosh IIcx. It features a 16-MHz 68030 processor, 1 MB RAM, 1.4 MB SuperDrive, and 40 MB hard drive, for US$5370. [46] [75] [310.187] [593.350] [597.95]
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Word 4.0 for the Macintosh. [346.140]
• A judge rules that Microsoft Windows 2.03 is not covered in the Apple Computer / Microsoft 1985 agreement. This allows the issue to proceed to trial, in the suit of Apple Computer against Microsoft filed in March 1988. [309.256]

April

• VCPI becomes an accepted industry standard for 80386-specific software. [511.366]
• The VESA graphics standard emerges, providing a uniform method of accessing SuperVGA chipsets. [18]
• Microsoft ships SQL Server. [346.271]
• Intel announces the 25-MHz 486 microprocessor at Spring Comdex in Chicago, Illinois. It integrates the 386, 387 math coprocessor, and adds an 8KB primary cache. It uses 1.2 million transistors, employing 1-micron technology. Initial price is US$900. Speed is 20 MIPS. [16] [75] [176.75] [177.103] [296] [310.8] [312.8] [540.64] [62] (US$950 [477.126])
• Intel introduces the 33-MHz version of the 80386DX microprocessor and 80387 math co-processor. This version of the 387 incorporates new technology, making it inherantly faster than previous 387 chips. [312.13] [511.319] [62]
• Motorola announces the 68040 microprocessor. It uses about 1.2 million transistors. [312.8] [423.136]
• Motorola announces the 50-MHz version of the 68030 microprocessor. [312.14]

May

• Microsoft releases Microsoft Word 5.0 for DOS. [502.49]
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Excel 2.2 for the Macintosh. It can handle spreadsheets up to 8 MB in size. [346.170] [346.271]
• Hewlett-Packard buys workstation maker Apollo Computer for US$476 million. [158]
• Solbourne Computers Incorporated is the first to announce a line of SPARC-based Sun-compatible computers. [171.80]
• Apple Computer announces details of the System 7.0 Macintosh operating system. [310.187] [548.159]

June

• IBM introduces the Office Vision system. [346.146]
• Apple Computer announces AppleTalk Phase 2. [593.B15]
• Claris releases AppleWorks 3.0. [218]
• Lotus Development releases Lotus 1-2-3 3.0 for MS-DOS, two years after its initial announcement. [346.210] [346.271] [502.49] [511.219]
• Apricot Computers announces the first 486-based PC, in London, England. The VX FT system uses the 25-MHz Intel 80486 chip, IBM's MCA bus, and is priced starting at US$18,000. [310.8] (AUG [12])

July

• Lotus Development ships Lotus 1-2-3 2.2 for MS-DOS. [502.49] [511.219]
• AmiEXPO is held in Chicago, Illinois. [448.55]
• AT&T and Intel sign an agreement to produce 386-based PCs. [166.58]

August

• Spectrum Digital Systems releases TrueForm for the Macintosh. [582.202]
• Outbound demonstrates the Wallaby, code-name for a Mac-compatible portable computer. [559.73]

September

• Apple Computer introduces 1.4MB floppy drives for the Macintosh. [582.95]
• Atari introduces the Atari TT, featuring a 16-MHz 68030 processor, 2MB RAM, a 3.5-inch floppy drive, and a built-in genlock device. [440.19]
• Apple Computer announces the Macintosh Portable, featuring a 16-MHz Motorola 68000 CMOS processor, 1 MB RAM, 40 MB hard drive, and 1.4 MB SuperDrive, for US$6500. [46] [75] [593.350] [597.95]
• Apple Computer announces the Macintosh IIci, featuring a 25-MHz 68030 processor, 4 MB RAM, 80 MB hard drive, and 1.4 MB SuperDrive, for about US$8700. [46] [75] [593.350] [597.95]
• IBM releases OS/2 1.2. [135] [346.243]
• Hewlett-Packard ships NewWave for Windows. [477.160]
• Hewlett-Packard announces a US$3990 UNIX workstation based on the Motorola 68030. [158]
• NeXT ships the first NeXT Computer systems. [206.289] [222]
• NeXT releases NextStep v1.0. [206.289] [222]

October

• France's Groupe Bull buys Zenith Data Systems for US$511 million. [523.102]
• Microsoft releases Microsoft Excel for OS/2's Presentation Manager. It is the first major application available for PM. [346.272]
• Cyrix introduces the FasMath 83D87 math coprocessor, pin-compatible with Intel's 387. [511.329] [509.219]
• Compaq Computer introduces its first notebook PC, the Compaq LTE. [113]
• Byte by Byte releases Sculpt 4-D for the Macintosh, for US$1500. [442.35]
• SPEC releases version 1.0 of its SPEC Benchmark Suite. [156]
• IBM signs a deal with NeXT to license the NextStep operating system. [170.65]

November

• Weitek introduces the Weitek 4167 math coprocessor chip as an enhancement to Intel's 486 CPU. [511.319]
• WordPerfect ships WordPerfect 5.1 for US$500. [502.49]
• An exhibition of videographics and electronic paintings is held at the Cogburn Gallery on the University of Vermont's Burlington campus. The works were all generated on an Amiga 1000. [448.50]
• At fall Comdex, IBM strongly endorses Windows for low end PCs, and Microsoft publicly endorses OS/2 as the future platform for higher-end PCs. IBM and Microsoft agree to jointly develop a consistent, full-range of systems software. [38] [45] [123] [389.29] [477.160]
• Borland International releases the Quattro Pro 2.0 spreadsheet program. [453.4] [548.339]
• Compaq Computer introduces its first server PC, the Compaq Systempro. This is also the first EISA PC. [113]
• Commodore announces the Amiga 2500/30. It is essentially an Amiga 2000 with a 2630 Accelerator Board (25-MHz 68030 and 68882 math coprocessor). [408.12]

December

• Lotus Development ships Lotus Notes. [548.159]
• IBM demonstrates its new line of RISC System/6000 workstations. [14]
• Xerox files a lawsuit challenging the validity of Apple Computer's copyrights covering the Lisa and Macintosh computers' graphical user interface. Xerox claims Apple Computer copied the Xerox Star system interface. [46] [75] [594.47]
• Microsoft ships Word for Windows 1.0. [477.160]

(month unknown)

• (early) Apple Computer releases 32-bit QuickDraw for the Macintosh. [582.94]

(month unknown)

• (spring) Harris Semiconductor introduces the a 25-MHz version of the 80286. Price is US$142 each in quantities of 1000. [312.13]

(month unknown)

• (mid) Intel unveils the i860 RISC processor. It is the first microrprocessor capable of executing two instructions per clock cycle. [16] [556.24]

(month unknown)

• (late) Intel releases the i960CA, a true superscalar microprocessor, capable of executing two instructions at once. [556.24]

(month unknown)

• (late) Intel begins production of the 80486 microprocessor. [477.126]

(month unknown)

• Hitachi sues Motorola, claiming the 68030 infringes on patents on Hitachi's H-8. [548.368]

(month unknown)

• Quote from a Lotus Development official, while demoing a new DOS version of Lotus 1-2-3: "We don't see Windows as a long-term graphical interface for the masses.". [312.14]

(month unknown)

• Hewlett-Packard introduces the HP DeskJet Plus inkjet printer. Price: US$1000. [309.89]

(month unknown)

• SPARC International is formed. [171.80]

(month unknown)

• Creative Labs introduces the Sound Blaster, an 8-bit mono PC sound card. [221]

(month unknown)

• NEC Technologies introduces the 4.2-pound NEC UltraLite laptop PC, the first "subnotebook". It features a stylus for input, and handwriting recognition. [310.161] (1988 [582.92])

(month unknown)

• Sun Microsystems announces the 12.5 MIPS 20-MHz SPARCstation 1 for a base price of US$9000. [16] [176.58]

(month unknown)

• Apple Computer announces that it is developing a new font standard. It will later emerge as TrueType. [416.195]

(month unknown)

• The Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) is formed, to develop a memory card standard for PCs. [20]

(month unknown)

• Data General unveils its Aviion workstation line, based on the Motorola 88000. [160]

(month unknown)

• Mission Cyrus introduces the Darius ProPortable, the first PS/2-compatible portable microcomputer. [309.57]

(month unknown)

• Atari Computer introduces the Portfolio, a 1-pound DOS-based PC. It uses a 4.92-MHz 80C88 processor, 240x64 resolution screen, and runs on three AA batteries. Price: US$400. [309.57]

(month unknown)

• Zenith Data Systems introduces the Zenith MinisPort, a 6-pound laptop computer. [310.94]

(month unknown)

• MicroPro International changes its name to WordStar International. [346.287]

(month unknown)

• Linus discontinues the WriteTop pen-based microcomputer. [421.130]

(month unknown)

• Hayes Microcomputer Products buys modem competitor Practical Peripherals. [451.A8]

1990

January

• Motorola announces the availability of its 32-bit 25-MHz microprocessor, the 68040. The 68040 incorporates 1.2 million transistors, integrates the FPU, and includes instruction and data caches. [13]
• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh II. [75] [597.95]
• Sun Microsystems signs an agreement to transfer the SPARC trademark to SPARC International. [171.80]
• Hayes Microcomputer Products wins a US$1.4 million lawsuit against Everex, Ven-Tel, and Omnitel, regarding the validity of Hayes' patent on the +++ escape sequence. [164.14]
• Commodore gives a sneak preview of a proposed "interactive graphics player", based on a variant of the Amiga 500, with 1MB of RAM. The machine includes an integrated CD-ROM drive, but no keyboard. [441.17]
• Intel releases the 80387SX math coprocessor. [511.319]
• Intel releases the 10-MHz 287XL and 287XTL (designed for laptop computers) math coprocessors. These coprocessors operate faster than previously released versions. [511.319]

March

• Jean-Louis Gassee resigns as president of Apple Products. [593.41]
• Lotus Development ships Lotus 1-2-3/G. [502.49] [548.159]
• Commodore offers Amiga 1000 owners US$1000 to trade in their Amiga on a new Amiga 2000. [441.7]
• Cyrix introduces the FasMath 83S87 math coprocessor, pin-compatible with Intel's 387SX. [511.329]
• Apple Computer introduces the Macintosh IIfx. It features a 40-MHz 68030 processor, 68882 math coprocessor, 4 MB RAM, 80 MB hard drive, 1.4 MB SuperDrive, 32 KB cache, 44.1 KHz stereo audio, and choice of 8-bit to 24-bit graphics. Price is US$98000. [18] [46] [75] [591.115] [593.350] [597.95]
• In a patent-infringement suit between Motorola and Hitachi, the judge imposes a temporary sales ban on Motorola's 68030 processor. [558.17]

April

• Crate Technologies, a maker of Apple hard drives and tape backup systems, files for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. [558.17]
• Microsoft introduces Russian MS-DOS 4.01 for the Soviet market. [123]
• Outbound releases the Outbound Mac-compatible portable. [559.73]

May

• Intel introduces the 33-MHz 486 microprocessor. Speed is 27 MIPS. [62]
• The lawsuit of Xerox against Apple Computer regarding use of Xerox's graphical user interface is thrown out of court. [346.195]
• Microsoft introduces and ships Microsoft Windows 3.0. Microsoft spends US$3 million for opening-day marketing, as part of a US$10 million promotional campaign. [15] [28] [45] [75] [123] [146] [150] [346.239] [346.272] [379.256] [389.29] [477.161] [479.128] [548.159] [595.26]
• The DPMI Committee releases the DPMI version 0.9 specification. [511.369]
• Toshiba unveils the first SPARC laptop, the SPARC LT. [171.80]
• Digital Research releases DR DOS 5.0. [146] [511.242]
• The PCMCIA card specification v1.0 is released. [147] (SEP [206.68])

June

• Salient Software is incorporated. [581.332]
• Duo Computers announces the Duo FC, incorporating a PC-AT compatible and a Nintendo game system in one case. [539.10]
• Apple Computer announces that Claris shares would not be offered to the public, but that the company would become a wholly-owned subsidiary of Apple Computer. [419.75]
• A US District Court judge rules that Paperback Software's duplicating the menu interface of Lotus 1-2-3 was a violation of copyright (the "look and feel" lawsuit was filed in 1987). [16] [161] [217]
• Jon Shirley resigns as President of Microsoft. He is replaced by former Boeing executive Michael Hallman. [346.272]
• Nolan Bushnell unveils Commodore's CDTV at the Summer Consumer Electronics Show. Code name during the product's development was "Baby". [539.A-18]
• The US Federal Trade Commission begins an investigation of Microsoft Corp., for alleged monopolistic practices in the PC software market. [548.347] (1991 [128])

July

• Microsoft's sales revenues hit US$1 billion for the past year, the first personal computer software company to do so. [123] [346.272]
• Lotus Development files lawsuits against Borland International (maker of Quattro) and Santa Cruz Operations (maker of SCO Professional) claiming copyright infringement of the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software. Borland International files a lawsuit against Lotus Development first, hoping to have the trial in California rather than Boston. [217] [453.4] [548.340]
• Macintosh hard drive manufacturer Jasmine Technologies emerges from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. [414.63]
• Acer Incorporated buys Altos Computer Systems for US$94 million. [163.57]

August

• Gilbert Hyatt is granted a patent for a "single-chip integrated-circuit computer architecture", 20 years after his first application for the patent. [23] [162] [185.193] (July [556.30] [590.5] [597.53])

September

• Texas Instruments sues Dell for patent infringement. Dell countersues, accusing Texas Instruments of fraud and unfair competition. [548.368]
• IBM and Microsoft end cooperative work on operating systems, dividing up work-to-date between them, in a series of cross-licensing agreements. [162] [346.245] [379.256] [477.161] [511.95] (NOV [38])
• NeXT announces the Nextstation. [170.66] [206.289] (OCT [170.65])
• The PCMCIA card specification v2.0 is announced. [601.73]

October

• Intel introduces the 20-MHz 80386SL microprocessor, designed for use in portable and laptop computers. It uses 855,000 transistors (1-micron), a 32-bit internal data path, and a 16-bit external data path. Price is US$150 each, in quantities of 1000. Speed is 4.21 MIPS. [477.126] [540.64] [62]
• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh Plus. [75] [597.90,95]
• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh SE. [75] [597.90,95]
• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh SE/30. [75]
• Apple Computer discontinues the Macintosh IIx. [75]
• Apple Computer unveils the Macintosh Classic. It uses an 8-MHz Motorola 68000 microprocessor, an integrated 9-inch B/W monitor, and a 1.4 MB floppy drive. Base price for a 1 MB system is US$1000. The Macintosh Classic replaces the Macintosh Plus and the Macintosh SE. [17] [18] [46] [75] [414.230] [416.169] [555.176] [597.90,95]
• Apple Computer unveils the Macintosh LC. It uses a 16-MHz Motorola 68020 microprocessor, and comes with 2 MB RAM, 40 MB hard drive, and 1.4 MB SuperDrive. Weight is 8.5 pounds. Base price with 2 MB RAM and a floppy drive is US$2400. [17] [18] [46] [75] [414.230] [416.169] [555.182] (US$2400 includes 40 MB hard drive [579.102] [597.95])
• Apple Computer unveils the Macintosh IIsi. It uses a 20-MHz Motorola 68030 microprocessor, and comes with 2 MB RAM, 40 MB hard drive, and 1.4 MB SuperDrive, for US$3800. [17] [18] [46] [75] [414.230] [416.169] [555.188] [597.90,95]
• Microsoft Bill Gates quote: "Even for the next ten years, [DOS] will have a significant role to play." [23]
• IBM introduces the XGA MCA graphics card, as a replacement for VGA. Resolutions of 640x480 and 1024x768 are supported, with up to 65,536 colors in the 640x480 mode. At the same time, IBM joins the VESA group, making the XGA specification publicly available. [20] [24]
• Advanced Micro Devices officially acknowledges that it is working on cloning Intel's 386 CPUs. [163.14]
• Lotus Development introduces Lotus MarketPlace: Business for the Macintosh. The Business edition is on one CD-ROM for US$695. Information on 7.5 million businesses is included. [414] [500.8] [596.30] (August [561.69])
• Lotus Development introduces Lotus MarketPlace: Households, for the Macintosh. The Households version is a nine CD-ROM set, for US$695 for the first CD-ROM. Information on 80 million households and 120 million consumers is included. [596.30]
• Intel releases new versions of the 16-, 20-, and 25-MHz 80387 math coprocessor chips. These versions use the new, faster technology employed on the 33-MHz chip. [511.319]

November

• Apple Computer discontinues the Apple IIc Plus. [75] (September [218])
• PC/GEOS, with GeoWorks Ensemble, ships. [477.164]
• Michael Spindler becomes president of Apple Computer. [75] [414.230]
• AT&T makes a US$6 billion hostile takeover bid for NCR. [166.58] (US$7.5 billion [282.112])
• LSI Logic announces the availability of SparcKIT, a SPARC chipset at speeds of 20-MHz and 25-MHz. [171.80]
• Sun Microsystems unveils its SPARCstation 2 series, starting at roughly US$20,000. [18]
• Motorola ships the 25-MHz 68040 processor. [559.17]
• The DPMI Committee releases the DPMI version 1.0 specification. [511.369]
• The Multimedia PC Marketing Council sets the minimum configuration required of a PC to run MPC-class software: 10-MHz 286 processor, 2MB RAM, 30MB hard drive, 16-color VGA, mouse, 8-bit audio card, 150KBps CD-ROM drive. [501.87] [509.228] [532] [601.77]

December

• Microsoft begins shipping the first version of the Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) library for Windows 3.0. [511.67]
• Ashton-Tate's lawsuit regarding the copyright on the dBase language is dismissed in court. The judge rules that the dBase language is not copyrightable, because it originated from a public domain program: JPLDIS from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. [25] [548.344]

(month unknown)

• (early) Apple Computer and Microsoft release TrueType font technology. [592.93] (September 1989 [593.41])

(month unknown)

• Apple Computer's AppleLink - Personal Edition is expanded and renamed America Online. [218]

(month unknown)

• IBM unveils its new RISC-based workstation line, the RS/6000. Development work had been done under code name "America" for the RISC chip research, and "RIOS" for systems using the America technology. The architecture of the systems is given the name POWER, standing for Performance Optimization With Enhanced RISC. [205.116]

(month unknown)

• U.S. Robotics introduces the Courier v.32bis modem. [235]

(month unknown)

• Motorola announces a new line of single-chip RISC processors, the first of which is be the 88110. [205.81]

(month unknown)

• NewTek releases the Video Toaster, a hardware/software video effects tool for the the Commodore Amiga 2000, for US$1600. [19] [409.21] [539.A-41]

(month unknown)

• Hewlett-Packard's introduction of the LaserJet IIP breaks the US$1000 street price barrier. [19]

(month unknown)

• The INMOS T-9000 processor, designed for parallel computing in the Transputer architecture, appears. [32]

(month unknown)

• IBM introduces the 10-MHz 80286-based IBM PS/1 systems, with built-in VGA and monitor. Prices range from US$1000 to US$2000. [138]

(month unknown)

• INTV Corp. discontinues production of the Intellivision. [292]

(month unknown)

• Commodore announces the Amiga 3000, at the Palladium in New York City. The system features a Motorola 16- or 25-MHz 68030, 68881 or 68882 math coprocessor, new Enhanced Chip Set, Zorro III bus, 2MB RAM, 40- or 100-MB hard drive, AmigaDOS v2.0, and AmigaVision authoring system. Prices start at US$4100 with a monitor. [407.19]

(month unknown)

• A judge rules that competitors to Intel can use the x86 designation for their processors. Intel decides to find another name for its new processors. [477.130]

(month unknown)

• US District Court Judge Vaughn Walker throws out 5 of 6 claims in Xerox' suit against Apple Computer of the Star's system. [594.47]

End of 1987-1990 - The Next Generation