The Altair 8800 was released in December 1974, so the definition of “personal computer” would have to exclude that somehow.

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drfuchs a day ago | parent | next [-]

The Altair didn’t come with a keyboard or screen. Just a front panel with lights and switches (like a PDP-11, to be fair). So, the fact that it wasn’t an integrated system in one box all from the same manufacturer distinguishes it as a Mini/Micro Computer rather than a Personal Computer.

	▲	Kurtz79 19 hours ago \| parent [-]
		Yup. That's why you hear of the Apple II as one of the first personal computers, and not of the Apple I, which was a more advanced kit than most, but still required owners to supply their own case, power supply and keyboard.

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hsitz a day ago | parent | prev | next [-]

I bought a TRS-80 as a 14-year old in 1979. Commodore Pet, Apple II, and TRS-80 were the only real options. The Altair was an entirely different beast. Take a look at the Altair advertisement in the wikipedia entry and you'll get the idea: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altair_8800

	▲	lionelholt a day ago \| parent [-]
		Ironically that Wikipedia page states: "It was the first commercially successful personal computer."

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JKCalhoun a day ago | parent | prev [-]

The PET was the first personable computer.

I mean it's gotta at least have a keyboard…