360What happened in 1981?
6 moments from 1981 on 360n60, each told in 60 words or fewer.
- History · 12 August 1981
IBM launches the Personal Computer
On 12 August 1981, IBM launched the IBM Personal Computer, model 5150, priced from $1,565. It used an Intel processor and Microsoft's operating system. Because its design was open, other companies could build compatible machines, and the 'PC' became the standard for business and home computing around the world.
- On this day · 1 August 1981
MTV goes on the air
On 1 August 1981, MTV, a cable television channel playing music videos around the clock, began broadcasting in the United States. Its first video was, fittingly, 'Video Killed the Radio Star'. MTV changed the music industry, making a song's video as important as the song.
- On this day · 12 August 1981
IBM launches its Personal Computer
On 12 August 1981, IBM launched the IBM Personal Computer, model 5150, priced from $1,565. It used Microsoft's operating system and an Intel processor. Other companies soon copied its design, and the 'PC' became the standard for business and home computers worldwide.
- 12 August 1981 · from IBM launches the Personal Computer
The IBM PC is launched
- 1981 · from The 1980s: the first Arab in space and the personal computer
IBM PC; first space shuttle flight
- 1981 · from Intel launches the first commercial microprocessor
The IBM PC uses an Intel processor