The crazy world of 8-Bit personal computing truly kicked off in 1972 with the release of the Intel 8008 microprocessor. The impact of which can still be felt today — in fact, some of the designs of modern “x86” processors are built upon the foundation that the 8008 built.
But did you know…
Another company managed to get a working 8-Bit microprocessor before Intel?
The Intel 8008 had almost no design similarities to the Intel 4004 (and was not a successor)?
The initial functional design of the Intel 8008… was not actually made by Intel?
It’s all true. The history of the Intel 8008 — the CPU that formed the basis for the 8080, 8086, and the entire x86 processor family — is wild and woolly. To say the least.
So buckle up, buttercup. This is one heck of a ride.
Not based on the 4004
Let’s get this out of the way, right up front.
The Intel 4004 microprocessor was released in 1971 (the year before the 8008). The 4004 is a 4-Bit processor, while the 8008 is an 8-Bit processor.
These facts led many to believe that the 8008 was an upgraded, 8-bit version of the 4004. An easy assumption to make.
However…
The 8008 microprocessor was not based on the 4004. The 8008 was, in fact, a completely different design — not originally designed by Intel — that happened at roughly the same time as the 4004.
The Intel 4004 - Photo credit: Thomas Nguyen
These two chips are wildly different — the fact that the “4004” and “8008” have similar names is nothing but marketing.
So, if the 8008 was not originally designed by Intel… where the heck did it come from?
Well… San Antonio, Texas. Obviously.
Computer Terminal Corp
A company down in Texas named “Computer Terminal Corporation” was building a programmable computer terminal with an 8-bit CPU design.
A truly cool looking machine, with a massively widescreen CRT monitor: The Datapoint 2200.
Fun historical tidbit: One of the goals of the Datapoint 2200 was to replace the IBM Punch Card. Towards that end, the widescreen monitor on the Datapoint 2200 was almost exactly the same dimensions (displaying 12 rows of 80 characters) as those Punch Cards.
An IBM Punch Card
But this was 1969.
Which meant that there were no off-the-shelf CPUs that those nerdy Texans could use to build their 8-Bit machine. So they did what any good nerds would do… they built their own CPU design — using a wide array of individual components — on a large board.
A shot of the “core CPU board” of the Datapoint 2200. Photo courtesy: oldcomputers.net
The result is an “8-Bit CPU” (on a big ole’ board) powering the world’s first personal computer.
Historical Argument Time: Whether or not the Datapoint 2200 qualifies as the first “personal computer” has been debated for decades. One thing is certain… it is the first mass produced, programmable computer terminal. You could program in BASIC and run your programs locally. And, considering the size of the machine, it fits the definition of a Personal Computer — before any others were mass produced — in the opinion of The Lunduke Journal.
Obviously, this approach to the CPU board had some down-sides.
The vast number of individual an unique components on the CPU board for the 2200 meant that shortages or changes in any individual part could cause delays, re-designs, or wild pricing fluctuations. Plus it meant that building each CPU board was a time-intensive process. Then there was the heat issue. That board generated a lot of heat.
A Datapoint 2200 with the case removed. Photo courtesy: oldcomputers.net
To resolve these issues, Computer Terminal Corporation began working with two companies. Both competing to shrink large portions of the Datapoint’s 2200 8-Bit CPU into as small a number of chips as possible.
Those companies: Intel and Texas Instruments.
The TMX-1795 & Intel 1201
Intel and Texas Instruments were in a fierce competition to build the first 8-Bit microprocessor… based (very, very closely) on the designs of the Datapoint 2200. Both companies were, quite literally, miniaturizing the 2200’s CPU board design into a single chip.
It was a race. And these companies needed to move fast.
The first company to complete a functional microprocessor was Texas Instruments, with the TMX-1795.
The TMX-1795 CPU. Photo courtesy: Computer History Museum
Unfortunately for Texas Instruments, Computer Terminal Corporation was disappointed by the performance of the TMX-1795 (as it performed far slower than the Datapoint 2200’s larger, custom CPU board).
A few months later, Intel would also cross the finish line: providing the Intel 1201 CPU for evaluation to be used in the Datapoint 2200.
The Intel 1201, just like Texas Instrument’s offering, was simply not performing well enough.
In the end, Computer Terminal Corporation opted to not use either microprocessor — sticking with their larger, in-house designed board for the final release of the Datapoint 2200.
Texas Instruments, which had accomplished something truly remarkable — the development of the world’s first 8-Bit microprocessor (based on the design of the Datapoint) — opted to shelve their TMX-1795 entirely. It never went into production and never got any public release… existing only as a handful of demo and prototype units.
Intel, on the other hand, had other ideas…
The deal with Intel
Not long after the Intel 1201 project had been dropped… Seiko approached Intel about the idea of using this new 8-Bit CPU in a desktop calculator. But… who owned the rights to the 8-Bit 1201 chip? Intel or Computer Terminal Corp?
Luckily for Intel, the deal with Computer Terminal Corporation was extremely vague. In fact, it existed entirely as notes on a purchase order. There was no other contract, whatsoever. Seriously.
One of the most critical deals in all of computer history exists as nothing more than a few lines on a purchase order. How crazy is that?
But, as luck would have it, we have an actual copy of that purchase order.
This purchase order was uncovered and preserved by the sales rep
Note the purchase amount: $3,000,000. That’s for 100,000 Intel 1201 chips… at $30 each.
Now here’s where everything gets a bit... funky. We're getting into brutal, cut-throat business here.
See that note scribbled at the top of the Purchase Order? “P.O. on hold - awaiting customer schedule.”
The reason for that note: Due to financial issues, Computer Terminal Corporation put a small delay on the CPU project. But then, when the project resumed, Intel missed the deadline (regardless of the delay). And the chip, when delivered, performed far slower than expected.
Plus… No Intel 1201 chips were ever delivered.
So… who owed who money? Based on the wording in the Purchase Order… it wasn’t at all cut and dried. This could have turned into a long legal battle to settle that question.
Intel used this opportunity to pressure Computer Terminal Corporation into giving the entire intellectual property of the 1201 chip to Intel… in exchange for simply dropping the matter entirely.
Intel would then, almost immediately, turn around and begin selling a slightly modified 1201 CPU (now called the “8008” for marketing purposes).
The 8008’s legacy
That new 8008 CPU would eventually lead to the 8080, 8086, 80286, and the full line of x86 processors that would almost totally define Intel and the PC industry for the next several decades.
While the 8008 was not the only 8-Bit CPU to exist — the Z80, the 6502, and so many others appeared in the years that followed — the impact that it had on the world of computing is truly mind-boggling.
And the company that did all the initial design — Computer Terminal Corporation — didn’t see a penny for it. They, literally, gave it to Intel. And, boy-oh-boy, did Intel run with it.
Because it deserves to be marveled at… here is a detailed die shot of the Intel 8008. Ain’t it purdy?
The world’s first 8-Bit CPU… really wasn’t the world’s first. Texas Instruments beat Intel by a few months… but they never went into production.
Historical Tidbit: Even though the TMX-1795 never went into production, Texas Instruments filed several patents on it over the course of the next few years. And, being as both the TMX-1795 and the 8008 were based on the exact same system (the Datapoint 2200)… this laid the groundwork for lawsuits galore.
And Intel isn’t really the company responsible for creating the instruction set and architectural design of the 8008 — which formed the basis of almost their entire processor line for decades. That honor goes to Computer Terminal Corporation… of San Antonio, Texas.
Wild, right?
Explains why this poor lady, from an original Datapoint 2200 advertisement, has the "I just got forced into giving away all of our hard work to Intel" look.
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XLibre GitHub Wiki Page Defaced by Convicted Rapist & Anti-Semite
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Ads are filling the entirety of the Web -- websites, podcasts, YouTube videos, etc. -- at an increasing rate. Prices for those ad placements are plummeting. Consumers are desperate to use ad-blockers to make the web palatable. Google (and others) are desperate to break and block ad-blockers. All of which results in... more ads and lower pay for creators.
It's a fascinatingly annoying cycle. And there's only one viable way out of it.
While I await new headphones to arrive! Here is my set of headphones
I have a new pair of headphones on the way due to Prime Day sale. Can’t wait. These forthcoming cans will be my “at home, best music experience” headphones. One might think that all headphones would be intended for “best music sound” - but not so. I’m an old man and I like headphones, so over time I’ve built a collection for various purposes.
Indoor, at home best for listening to music
Currently these are my Phillips Fidelio X2HR connected to FiiO Q3 amp. For about $150, or $230 with amp - they sound better than the Airpods Max for half the price. They are wired, and with the amp, ungainly. They are open back which is great when I’m at home and it doesn’t matter, but couldn’t use them at work or on a train/plain. I prefer open back to closed back for long listening sessions. My ears don’t get hot. No noise canceling either, and it’s not needed for this use.
So I have an old iPhone SE (yeah, the one released in 2016) and it runs like a champ. For the few things I use it for, it gets the job done:
I make phone calls with it
I send text messages with it
I use the DuckDuckGo browser, but not for anything requiring credentials. Emulators mostly, and occasionally research or YouTube.
I gotta hand it to Apple: they make great hardware. If it weren't for their design choices in software, I could almost see sticking with an iPhone. Almost.
Seriously considering a de-googled Android...
I had a de-googled tablet once and it was rad. I got my apps from apkpure.com and F-droid, Termux and Brave made it usable as more than just a gaming device (though again, I never logged into anything on it). I loved that thing. Buuut then it bit the dust. But you get what you pay for, and I scored it for like $50 on eBay. I used it for a good year, and used it a lot, so I feel ...
50% off The Lunduke Journal (including Lifetime Subscriptions) through Saturday!
About 3 weeks back we had a deal where every new subscription to The Lunduke Journal was 50% off. Monthly, Yearly, Lifetime… all of it.
And — holy cow! — was that a success. Broke the record for most new subscribers to The Lunduke Journal in a single day. By a mile. Two days in a row.
Never seen anything like it. The amount of support all of you showed for truly independent Tech Journalism was off the charts.
You know what? Let’s try that again. Now through the end of May (which is Saturday, May 31st — the day after tomorrow):
50% off Monthly — Now $3 / Month (was $6 / Month)
50% off Yearly — Now $27 / Year (was $54 / Year)
50% off Yearly MP4 Downloads — Now $27 / Year (was $54 / Year)
50% off Lifetime Subscriptions — Now $100 (was $200)
Choose whichever option feels right for you. All the details and links are below.
Every one — big or small — directly funds the work of The Lunduke Journal (with zero overhead). Every option includes full access to the community Forum. And, of course, every type of subscription keeps The Lunduke Journal ad-free and Big Tech free.
Remember: 50% off is only through Saturday, May 31st. The next day (Sunday, June 1st) the prices all go back to normal.
50% Off Yearly or Monthly Subscription:
50% off a Yearly or Monthly subscription to The Lunduke Journal are available via both Locals and Substack. (This includes full access to the community Forum.)
That means $3 / Month. Or $27 / Year (which works out to $2.25 / Month).
The "World Famous Lunduke Journal Lifetime Subscription" is exactly what it sounds like. Pay once and get full access to The Lunduke Journal. For life.
Now, through Saturday, May 31st… you can snag one at a crazy discount. Normally these are $200… but you can grab one for $100. (You can also pay more if you’d like to donate a little extra.)
The Lifetime Subscription can be obtained via Locals, Substack, or using Bitcoin. All three options work great and are super easy. Scroll down and choose your option.
Send $100 worth of Bitcoin (or more) to the following address:
bc1qyjakve8fywm8pz2v99v57yhjj0vzr2vjze6fcq
Email "bryan at lunduke.com" with the following information: What time you made the transaction, how much was sent (in Bitcoin), and the email address you use (or plan to use) on Locals.com or Substack.com (or both).
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Make a One Time Donation
Subscription not enough (or not your thing)? Want to toss in a one-time donation to The Lunduke Journal? There’s a few great options!
Via BitCoin:
Send any amount of BTC to the following address:
bc1qyjakve8fywm8pz2v99v57yhjj0vzr2vjze6fcq
Email "bryan at lunduke.com" with to let us know it was you! You can choose to keep your donation anonymous if you prefer. (Either way, all BTC donations get included in the matching deal.)
A huge thank you to all of the subscribers who have made The Lunduke Journal possible. Because of you, we have been able to do true Tech Journalism — to tell the stories that no other Tech News outlet has the cajones to touch.
And to all of you new Lunduke Journal subscribers (which, wow, there’s a lot of you): Welcome to the last bastion of truly independent, Big-Tech-Free, ad-free, non-Woke Tech Journalism.
50% off Monthly, Yearly Subscriptions! Lifetime Subs for $100! Let's get everyone subscribing to The Lunduke Journal!
The number of free subscribers to The Lunduke Journal has absolutely exploded — across a bunch of platforms — which is truly amazing. The real Tech News is spreading farther than ever.
In fact, the free subscriber growth is so utterly massive, that if even a tiny fraction of you became a paying subscriber… The Lunduke Journal would become comfortably financially set for a very long time. Able to continue reporting on Big Tech — and corrupt Tech Foundations — well into the future.
All without taking a penny from Big Tech.
With that in mind, let’s do something awesome… something that will make Big Tech really grumpy.
Let’s get as many people subscribing to The Lunduke Journal as possible. Right now. This week. Let’s make this Big-Tech-Free, Non-Woke Tech News publication financially set for a good, long time.
To give everyone a kick-in-the-butt to help make that happen, I’m going to discount absolutely every type of subscription in a crazy way — through Friday, May 9th.
%50 off Monthly — Now $3 / Month (was $6 / Month)
%50 off Yearly — Now $27 / Year (was $54 / Year)
%50 off Yearly MP4 Downloads — Now $27 / Year (was $54 / Year)
%50 off Lifetime Subscriptions — Now $100 (was $200)
If even 1% of the new free subscribers who have joined in the last month take advantage of this… The Lunduke Journal will be fully funded through the end of this year. And then some.
Let’s make it happen. Scroll down. Pick which ever subscription type works best for you. Then high-five yourself for making Big Tech grumpy.
Just be sure to do it by the end of the day on Friday, May 9th. The prices all go back to normal after that.
50% Off Yearly or Monthly Subscription:
50% off a Yearly or Monthly subscription to The Lunduke Journal are available via both Locals and Substack. (This includes full access to the community Forum.)
That means $3 / Month. Or $27 / Year (which works out to $2.25 / Month).
The "World Famous Lunduke Journal Lifetime Subscription" is exactly what it sounds like. Pay once and get full access to The Lunduke Journal. For life.
And now, through Friday, May 9th… you can snag one at a crazy discount. Normally these are $200… but you can grab one for $100. (You can also pay more if you’d like to donate a little extra.)
The Lifetime Subscription can be obtained via Locals, Substack, or using Bitcoin. All three options work great and are super easy. Scroll down and choose your option.
Send $100 worth of Bitcoin (or more) to the following address:
bc1qyjakve8fywm8pz2v99v57yhjj0vzr2vjze6fcq
Email "bryan at lunduke.com" with the following information: What time you made the transaction, how much was sent (in Bitcoin), and the email address you use (or plan to use) on Locals.com or Substack.com.
50% Off DRM-Free, MP4 Downloads:
Want to be able to download every show The Lunduke Journal releases (and watch them on whatever device you like)? Yeah. You can do that. For 50% off.
Note: This DRM-Free download option does not include access to the Forum. This option is strictly for downloading the episodes.
Make a One Time Donation
Subscription not enough (or not your thing)? Want to toss in a one-time donation to The Lunduke Journal? There’s a few great options!
Via BitCoin:
Send any amount of BTC to the following address:
bc1qyjakve8fywm8pz2v99v57yhjj0vzr2vjze6fcq
Email "bryan at lunduke.com" with to let us know it was you! You can choose to keep your donation anonymous if you prefer. (Either way, all BTC donations get included in the matching deal.)
A huge thank you to all of the subscribers who have made The Lunduke Journal possible. Because of you, we have been able to do true Tech Journalism — to tell the stories that no other Tech News outlet has the cajones to touch.
And to all of you new Lunduke Journal subscribers: Welcome to the last bastion of truly independent, Big-Tech-Free, ad-free, non-Woke Tech Journalism.
There are some options. For both subscribing and donating. They're all on this page.
Bonus: At the bottom of this page you will find the invite link to the super-secret Lunduke Journal Discord Chat Server. This is only available for full subscribers, which makes it a nice place to hang out. No riff-raff.
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