Vector Graphic Advert - July 1977
From Byte - The Small Systems Journal
Now. The Perfect Microcomputer: Vector 1 - it's a two-touch affair
Founded in November 1976, it didn't take long for Vector Graphic to go from making 8K memory cards to complete systems, as shown by this advert from July 1977.
The Vector 1 was the company's first real computer. It was based on Intel's 8080A on an S-100 bus with 18 card slots. The quote "it's a two touch affair" is a reference to the simplicity of the Vector 1's interface compared to many other computers of the day, such as the IMSAI 8080, which were packed with lights and switches.
According to a quote on old-computers.com[1] from Lore Harp - one of the two founders of the company - this was a deliberate move to simplify the user interface, where "User friendliness became an important design element". This wasn't totally unique though, as other machines like SWTPC's 6800, from January of the same year, had also simplified to just a few buttons.
The Vector 1 retailed for $849, or about £4,600 in 2024.
Sources
Text and otherwise-uncredited photos © nosher.net 2024. Dollar/GBP conversions, where used, assume $1.50 to £1. "Now" prices are calculated dynamically using average RPI per year.
