Northgate Computers

Northgate Computer Systems, Inc., based in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA, was a mail-order personal computer company, founded in 1987 by Arthur Lazere.The 1990s were a golden era for mail-order PC business. Consumers were fed up with high prices for IBM, Compaq and other brand-name PCs sold through dealers so they opted to purchase their computers from a catalog. This was a revolutionary idea at the time, because people wouldn't be able to see or touch their computer before buying it. Aside from Dell and Gateway, popular brands of mail-order PCs were Northgate and Zeos.The company was known for its quality systems and keyboards; in particular, its line of OmniKey keyboards was highly praised. The keyboards were particularly valued for their tactile response and durability, and along with IBM's Model M PC keyboards, were considered some of the best in the industry. As such, the company's keyboards were often purchased by users of other manufacturers' PCs.