PDP-8

PDP-8
Character Information
Common Names	PDP-8
Other Names	PDP-8/S, /I, /L, /e and other models
Human Name(s)	Katherine "Kate" deCastro
Faction	Formerly DEC Military
Lineage	12-bit PDP
Rival(s)	Other 12-bit minicomputers
Appearance
Height	Low 5' range
Hair Color	Orange-red
Eye Color	Yellow
Weapon(s)	N/A
Design
First Appearance	Summer 2011
Technical Information
System Personified	All PDP-8 models
Developer(s)	DEC
Debut	22 March 1965
Latest release	Circa 1979

Technical Details

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.

Character Details

General

PDP-8-tan is depicted as a small, tanned-skinned woman with yellow eyes. She wears her red hair in a 60s-style flip hairdo, and tends to dress in similarly retro fashion, with miniskirts and go-go boots a common occurrence in her wardrobe.

Fanworks

• LINC and PDP-8 Pinups
• LINC-8 Portrait, Version 1
• LINC-8 Portrait, Version 2
• Some PDP-tans-in-bathing-suits references
• PDP doodles, including a small LINC comic
• Early PDP-tans sketch