Always Has Been: Chapter 1: HP 9100A: Pioneering Mass-Market Desktop Computing

The HP 9100A, introduced in 1968 by Hewlett-Packard, is often regarded as the first mass-marketed desktop computer. This groundbreaking device featured a cathode-ray tube screen, magnetic-card storage, and a touch-sensitive keyboard, democratizing complex computations. Aimed at professionals like scientists, engineers, and mathematicians, the HP 9100A significantly enhanced work efficiency and productivity, heralding a new era in personal computing and facilitating advancements across numerous fields.