PDP-8
| PDP-8 | |
| |
| Character Information | |
|---|---|
| Common Names | PDP-8 |
| Other Names | N/A |
| Faction | [[ ]] |
| Lineage | PDP |
| Rival(s) | N/A |
| 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 | PDP-8 |
| Developer(s) | DEC |
| Debut | 22 March 1965 |
| Latest release | Circa 1979 |
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.