The world's first microcomputer Q1 from 1972 sells for $32000 at auction

Auction house Heritage Auctions has put up some interesting lots for sale, including the world's first Q1 microcomputer with a printer.

Here's What We Know

The model is considered the world's first complete, self-contained microcomputer with a built-in screen and keyboard. It was created by Q1 Corporation and released in 1972. The manufacturer used an Intel 8008 processor instead of bulky TTL logic circuits, making the microcomputer have the capabilities of larger systems. However, the Q1 device was not popular - the largest customer was the NASA space agency.

It is interesting that recently this computer accidentally found the cleaners of Kingston University in London in boxes for storage of various old junk.

The starting price of the lot is $32000.

In addition, Heritage Auctions put up for auction Q1 Lite 1976 - a simplified version of the microcomputer without a printer and keyboard, as well as desktop computer printer Q1, designed to work with Q1 Lite.

The performance of the systems has not been tested.

Source: Heritage Auctions, Newatlas