Just Clear, a house clearance company in the UK, recently stumbled upon a remarkable find during a routine house clearance - two of the world's first desktop computers. The discovery of these antique desktops, produced by Q1 Corporation in the United States in December 1972, marks a significant milestone in the history of computing.
The Q1 model, powered by the Intel 8008 processor, features a design reminiscent of a typewriter, with a distinctive neon orange plasma screen. Despite its historical significance, the Q1 is often overlooked in the annals of computing history.
Initially unaware of the importance of the machines, Just Clear founder Brendan O'Shea and his team set aside the devices for further research after their discovery. Brendan expressed his astonishment, stating, "Our team finds all sorts of items when cleaning houses every day, some of which have historical significance. But I never imagined we would find something so important in the field of technology and computing history."
Upon consulting with an expert, Just Clear learned that the Q1 computers are exceedingly rare, with only three known to exist worldwide. The pair of computers, buried under piles of boxes, was initially thought to be typical 1970s computing artifacts. However, further research revealed their true significance.
The two Q1 computers are currently on display at a technology exhibition at Kingston University titled "Creating the Everything Device: Showcasing the machines that built the future." Curated by Paul Neve and Professor Islam Choudhury, the exhibition features a range of first-generation computers that laid the groundwork for modern computing devices.
Neve emphasized the pivotal role of early pioneers like the Q1 Corporation in shaping today's ubiquitous computing landscape. He noted, "There would be no PCs, no Macs, no Apple or Android phones without the Q1 Corporation," underscoring the profound impact of these early computing innovations.
As for the future of the two Q1 computers, Just Clear has not yet decided their fate. They may be auctioned or sold privately, ensuring that these rare artifacts find their way into the hands of collectors or institutions dedicated to preserving technological history.