PDP-1 as minicomputer [was RE: OT - sort of]

On 8/17/10, Richard <legalize at xmission.com> wrote: I'm a bit curious about the working definition, too. I'm by no means an expert, but I would have thought that a machine that fell into the "minicomputer" category would be based on its size and cost substantially below (like 80-90% below) a mainframe, and interactive vs batch as the primary method of use. Single-user vs multi-user is not a defining element IMO. PDP-8s and PDP-11s were both available in single-user and multi-user configurations (though multi-user PDP-11s were more ordinary). Leaving out VLSI machines of the 1970s ("micros") and focusing on the 1960s, I'd say that definition easily includes the PDP-8, about which I think there is little dissent. I personally would have included the PDP-1 as well - to me, it's "small" (4 cabinets plus peripherals?), meant to be used interactively, and (relatively) cheap - $120K in 1960 dollars. But it all depends on how you define "minicomputer" as to what specifically falls in the category. -ethan