[cctalk] Re: Experience using an Altair 8800 ("Personal computer" from 70s)

When the Jan 75 issue of Popular Electronics came out I was 9 years old. I didn't know the magazine existed, nor could I have afforded a subscription if I did. But I knew what computers were, and I knew I wanted one. But they were untouchable to me. I had seen one at my dad's office, and even seen some programmers (up near the same category as seeing an astronaut to me.) But having a computer was a dream, like owning an F-4 Phantom. A couple of years later I saw the TRS-80 in a Radio Shack catalog. That was my first sight of a "personal" computer. The price ($599?) was WELL outside what I could afford, but it was achievable. AND... it was marketed toward "average" people!