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Intro
With computer ownership in the U.S. hovering somewhere around 80%, it's easy to forgot that there was a time not too long ago when people had no idea why they would need a computer in their home. The onus then fell to the computer companies to inform a nation of potential customers why they would need a bulky, hot, and loud machine in their living room. They did this primarily through advertising. Duh. As many people believe we're entering a "post-pc" age, you seldom see ads advertising computers or computer programs. However, back in the day they were everywhere. Like all ads, some were good, funny, informative, and slightly ridiculous, while others were vague, dry, and slightly ridiculous. We picked 30 of our favorites for you to breeze through. Take a trip down back in time to see how things were before the banner ad.
Word Star
MicroPro Word Star Word Processor
Hard Drive
$4,000 10 MB Hard Drive
Apple 1
Apple 1
Compuserve
Compuserve
Verbatim Concert
Verbatim Corporation
IBM Data
IBM Electronic Data Processing Machines
Interlude
The Interlude, Ultimate Experience
US Robitics Sleeping
U.S. Robotics Password Modem and TelPac
Briefcase
Digi-Loc Interactive CRT Terminal
Microsoft Mouse
Microsoft, The Microsoft Mouse
TI Cosby
Texas Instruments TI Home Computer
IBM Secret
IBM
Apple Jefferson
Apple II
Donner Portable Computer
Donner 3500
Maxell Robots
Maxell MD2-HD Floppy Disk
Apple 2
Apple II
Honeywell Email
Honeywell
Elvira
LMBS CASE Software
NEC Running
NEC MultiSpeed Portable Computer
Two Bytes
Technico SS-16 Microcomputer
Pernil Modem
Pernil Modems
Honeywell Monster
Honeywell
Apple Jefferson 2
Apple II
This is a Computer?
DataComp 404
The Write Stuff
Harper & Row The Write Stuff Word Processor
IBM Chaplin
IBM Personal Computer XT
Radio Shack
Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 4 Personal Computer
Apple Kid
Apple IIc
IBM 610
IBM 610 Auto-Point Computer
Introducing the Apple II
Apple II
