Photograph of the desktop console of the world's first microcomputer system. It utilized the Intel 8008 single-chip microprocessor.
The computer system was developed and manufactured by Q1 Corporation. They delivered the first microcomputer system to the Litcom Division of Litton Industries in Melville, Long Island on December 11, 1972 (and a second system in February, 1973). In April 1974 Intel introduced the second-generation, single-chip 8-bit microprocessor, the 8080. Until then, Q1 systems were the only self-contained, general-purpose microcomputer systems in the world.
In 1973, two limited-purpose products that utilized the 8008 were introduced: In May 1973 Micral, in France, introduced a special-purpose process controller; and in the fall, Jonathan Titus offered the Mark-8, an 8008 assembly-kit for the hobbyist market (Titus 1974). Neither product was, nor intended to be, a self-contained, general-purpose computer system.
In 1973, Q1 microcomputer systems were installed in Europe (Germany) and Asia (Hong Kong).
The Q1 System remained the world's only self-contained, general purpose microcomputer system until Intel introduced the 8080 second generation microprocessor.
Apparently, Q1 also delivered some of NASA's computers.
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Togther with "Danny" Alroy and one other, I established Q1 Far East Pty Ltd in Hong Kong in the very early 1970''s - long before many of the entries below. I provided space in my office in the Tak Yan Commercial Bldg on the 6th floor at 30-32 D''Aguilar Street, Central Hong Kong. Our plan was to start with selling and installing the Q1 LMC in HK and then sell into China.There were three Directors of the company - Danny, myself and an extremely intelligent HK Chinese who was a US graduate in Computer Science. He was a key input into the use of PL/1 on the system (I truly regret and apologise that I can''t remember his name).
Wednesday 26th May 2021
Victor Robert Steiner (Australia)
Daphne. I am sorry to hear of "Danny" Alroy''s passing early this year. I met him in Hong Kong late in the 1960''s. I had just resigned from the Australian Army and set up a trading company. We formed Q1 Far East Ltd to market the Q1 Micro System in the region - hoping to eventually break into China (I am a Chinese linguist - courtesy Australian Govt). I was a Director of that company, along with a young Chinese man educated in the US in Electronics (struggling to remember his name). I have scanned my Q1 business card of those days and will email copies to you. Regards Victor
Tuesday 25th May 2021
Victor Robert Steiner (Australia)
For those who aren''t aware, Daniel Alroy, who founded Q1 corporation, passed away in Manhattan on January 31, 2021. I am his daughter. We are compiling his archives, so it would be so wonderful if you could send me anything at all related to his life and work. My email address is: daphnet123@gmail.com. He is survived by me, his ex-wife Eva Alroy, and three handsome grandsons, as well as a small cluster of family members. Blessings, Daphne Alroy
