In London, a group of cleaners at Kingston University stumbled upon a remarkable discovery: the world’s first microcomputer, the Q1 desktop. This serendipitous find is reminiscent of discovering vintage cars in barns or uncovering lost media treasures unexpectedly.
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. Utilizing an Intel 8008 processor, the Q1 featured a microprocessor-based architecture that provided capabilities typically reserved for larger systems. Despite its innovative design, the Q1 was not a commercial success and had limited distribution.
The Q1 Lite, a streamlined version of the original Q1, is also part of the auction, along with a Q1 desktop computer printer designed to work with the Lite model. Although these items show signs of wear and discoloration from being stored in boxes for decades, they are generally intact and sturdy. While they have not been tested, they are being sold in “as is” condition.
Online bidding for this rare find is currently underway at Heritage Auctions. The live auction will take place on May 24th, 2024. This significant computer history artifact is sure to attract collectors and enthusiasts in the tech world who are eager to own a piece of history that has remained hidden for so long.
This serendipitous discovery highlights how important it is to preserve historical artifacts and keep them in their original state so that future generations can learn from them. It also serves as a reminder that sometimes great discoveries can be found in unexpected places and by chance encounters.
Overall, this rare find showcases how technology has evolved over time and how it has impacted society in various ways. It also serves as an inspiration for young people to pursue careers in technology and innovation that can shape our future world.
