PDP-1 as minicomputer - test-drb@ccmp.vtda.org

17 Aug 2010

The earliest use of the term "minicomputer" is about 1968 (Google news,
other sources).

FWIW, I also think relatively small physical size was a necessary condition
for a computer to be characterized as a minicomputer at least thru the mid
70s.

IMHO the IBM 1130 introduced in 1965 is an early if not the first
minicomputer. To quote the 1965 IBM announcement:
"The desk-sized 1130 is designed for individual use by engineers, scientists
and mathematicians. But with its range of peripheral units, the 1130 also
will be used in such fields as publishing, construction, finance,
manufacturing and distribution."

Tom

...
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 Date: Tue, 17 Aug 2010 11:24:50 -0700
 From: Rich Alderson <RichA at vulcan.com>
 Subject: PDP-1 as minicomputer [was RE: OT - sort of]
 To: "'General Discussion: On-Topic and Off-Topic Posts'"
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 From: Tony Duell
 Sent: Friday, August 13, 2010 11:19 AM

 >> Yep, that makes a lot more sense.  In 1960 I suppose about the only
 >> thing to play a computer game on would have been either a mini or a
 >> mainframe - actually I think it would have had to be a mainframe.
<snip> 
...
  Arguing that anything before the PDP-8 was a
"minicomputer" is
 revisionism.
 IMAO.

 Rich Alderson <snip>