MITS 7440

In the world of electronic calculators, the company named MITS may not ring bells for many people. However, those who were involved in the infancy of personal computing, or those who have an affection for the early days of personal computing know the name well. MITS, (pronounced letter at a time) is an acronym for Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems, effectively created the "personal computer" market with the introduction of the "Altair 8800" mini-computer (as they called it) in early 1975. The Altair computer was heralded as a breakthrough in the world of computers, with a kit selling for a mere $397 in 1974. There were other "hobbyist" computers available at the time, but they were not as powerful (relying on earlier microprocessor chips), nor as well publicized as the Altair. The Altair computer was featured on the front cover of the January, 1975 edition of Popular Electronics magazine, with a series of articles on the design and construction of the machine. Orders for the Altair poured in at a tremendous rate, propelling MITS and the Altair into the spotlight of personal computer history.