Kenbak-1
An 8-bit machine with 256 bytes of memory and no microprocessor, sold from 1971 for $750 and often called the first commercial personal computer.
John Blankenbaker designed the Kenbak-1 in 1970 and sold it from early 1971 until production stopped in 1973. It cost $750. Fewer than 50 were built, and 44 were sold.
The Kenbak-1 had 256 bytes of memory and was built from 7400-series logic chips, with no microprocessor. A person programmed it in machine code with a row of buttons and switches. A row of lights showed the output. Its clock ran at 1 megahertz.
Why it matters
Several institutions call it the world's first commercially released personal computer. Only 14 machines are known to exist, held by collectors and museums.
Key facts
- Designed in 1970 by John Blankenbaker.
- Sold for $750 from early 1971 until 1973.
- 256 bytes of memory.
- Built from 7400-series chips with no microprocessor.
- Only 14 known to survive.
Sources
- Wikipedia, "Kenbak-1", en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenbak-1, accessed October 14, 2026.
- Mimms Museum of Technology and Art, "Past Exhibits", mimmsmuseum.org/past-exhibits/, accessed October 14, 2026.