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PDP-8: Difference between revisions
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==Technical Detail== | |||
Released in 1965, the 12-bit PDP-8 was DEC's first commercial success and one of the most widely-used minicomputers of its time. During its 14 year production run, DEC released 10 PDP-8 models, along with two LINC/PDP-8 combination computers (the LINC-8 and PDP-12). The PDP-8 was successful for a variety of reasons. A high rate of production, low cost and a relatively small size made it an appealing option for businesses and institutions that couldn't afford larger machines; and its simple, expandable design made it a prime machine for specialization. However this simplicity also made it somewhat cumbersome to program, and it eventually fell out of favor when smaller and more powerful microcomputers arrived. | |||
In spite of its shortcomings, the PDP-8 remains popular among retrocomputer fans, and a large number of PDP-8s continue to be restored, used and modified. At least one PDP-8 kit computer exists and numerous PDP-8 emulators/simulators exist. | |||