The first microcomputer, the Q1, was recently discovered by cleaners at Kingston University in London. This serendipitous discovery is reminiscent of finding vintage cars in barns or lost media treasures resurfacing unexpectedly. Along with a later version and a printer, the Q1 is going on the auction block at Heritage Auctions.
The Q1, constructed by the Q1 Corporation of New York, is considered one of the first complete standalone microcomputers with a built-in screen and keyboard. Despite its innovative design, the Q1 was not a commercial success and had limited distribution. Its successor, the Q1 Lite, is also part of the auction, along with a printer designed to work with it.
The items show signs of wear and discoloration from being stored in boxes for decades but are generally intact and sturdy. Although they have not been tested, they are being sold in “as is” condition. Online bidding for the collection is currently underway and will culminate in a live auction on May 24th at Heritage Auctions. This rare find of significant computer history is sure to attract the attention of collectors and enthusiasts in the tech world.
The Q1 desktop microcomputer was constructed by engineers who were passionate about creating technology that could be used in everyday life. They utilized an Intel 8008 processor that provided capabilities typically reserved for larger systems. However, despite its innovative design, the Q1 failed to gain widespread acceptance among consumers due to its high price point and lack of compatibility with existing systems.
Despite this setback, engineers continued to improve upon their designs and eventually released an updated version called the Q1 Lite. This streamlined model offered improved performance at a lower cost point than its predecessor.
Today’s discovery marks an exciting opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of computer history that played an important role in shaping our technological landscape. As Heritage Auctions prepares for its upcoming live auction on May 24th, bidders can expect fierce competition from other collectors eager to add these rare items to their collections.
In conclusion, this serendipitous discovery has opened up a new chapter in computer history as we explore how early innovations shaped our modern world today
