16 February 2024 , 22:38
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Two of the world's first desktop computers have been discovered during a home clearance.
The Q1, which was launched in 1972, changed the way we use computers today. Two of the rare models were found hidden under boxes during a house clearance in London by waste firm Just Clear. The staff didn't know what they had laid their hands on at the time - but decided to hold onto them until they could find out more.
When they couldn't find any information online, Just Clear's boss Brendan O'Shea asked a computer expert for help. He was amazed when he found out that this model was the world's first fully integrated desktop computer powered by a single-chip microprocessor.
The Q1, which looked more like a typewriter, was a big step forward in computer history. It was known for its high-quality build, unique design and neon-orange plasma display. The first true microcomputer, it was made by the Q1 Corporation in America - and only a few were ever brought to Britain.
Staff from waste firm Just Clear held on the computers and consulted an expert (No credit)Now, these two Q1 computers are on show at a technology exhibition at Kingston University in Surrey. Discussing the rare find, Mr O'Shea said: "Our teams find all sorts of things while clearing houses on a daily basis, some with historical significance, but never did I imagine that we'd find something so important to the field of technology and the history of computing."
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"Occasionally, we encounter items deemed important enough to preserve and archive for the future in an auction sale or, in this case, an exhibition. I'm told that these models are extremely rare, so to find a pair of them is beyond exciting."
"The computers were buried under a hoard of boxes and initially we just thought they were two nice pieces of 1970s computing history that perhaps we would have>