The year is 1987. Big hair, synthesized music, and the rise of personal computing defined the era. But what did a computer actually look like back then? It wasn’t the sleek, minimalist machines we’re accustomed to today. Instead, it was a different beast altogether, a boxy monument to technological innovation that was simultaneously powerful and primitive. Let’s delve into the aesthetics and functionality of computers in 1987, exploring the hardware, software, and cultural context that shaped their appearance.
The Beige Box and Its Components
The most striking characteristic of a computer in 1987 was undoubtedly its color: beige. Almost universally, computer cases, monitors, and peripherals were rendered in this neutral, inoffensive hue. While variations existed, ranging from a slightly warmer tan to a cooler off-white, beige was the dominant shade. This wasn’t a matter of aesthetic preference; it was largely due to the cost and availability of plastics and the manufacturing processes of the time.
The physical form factor was also significantly different. Towers weren’t yet the norm. Instead, computers generally came in two primary designs: the desktop model, where the monitor sat directly on top of the system unit, or the more compact (and often more expensive) all-in-one design, like the Apple Macintosh.
The Monitor: A Window to a Pixelated World
Monitors in 1987 were cathode-ray tubes (CRTs), bulky and heavy devices that emitted images by firing electrons onto a phosphorescent screen. Color monitors were available, but they were significantly more expensive than their monochrome counterparts, which displayed text and graphics in shades of green, amber, or white. Resolution was another key factor; while resolutions like 640×480 were becoming more common, many systems still operated at lower resolutions like 320×200. The refresh rate, the speed at which the screen was redrawn, was also crucial, as a low refresh rate could lead to noticeable flicker and eye strain. The image quality wasn’t as sharp or vibrant as today’s displays.
The Keyboard: A Tactile Connection
Keyboards in 1987 were almost universally mechanical, meaning each key had its own physical switch underneath. This resulted in a distinctive “clicky” sound and a tactile feel that many users found satisfying. The layout was typically the standard QWERTY layout, though ergonomic designs were beginning to emerge. The size was bigger, more robust, and often accompanied by a long coiled cable. Function keys, usually arranged in a single row across the top, were essential for navigating software and executing commands.
The Mouse: A Revolution in Input
The mouse was still a relatively new invention in 1987, but it was rapidly gaining popularity as a more intuitive way to interact with graphical user interfaces (GUIs). Early mice used a rubber ball that rolled across a surface, translating movement into cursor control. The interface was usually serial port or a dedicated mouse port. This was a critical stepping stone to more interactive computing.
Internal Components and Capabilities
The look of a computer wasn’t just about the external case. The internal components dictated its capabilities and influenced its overall design.
The Processor: The Brain of the Machine
Processors in 1987 were significantly less powerful than today’s chips. The Intel 80386, a 32-bit processor, was just beginning to appear on the market, but the Intel 80286 and even the older 8088 were still widely used. Clock speeds were measured in megahertz (MHz), not gigahertz (GHz), and even a few MHz could represent a major performance boost.
Memory: Limited Resources
RAM, or Random Access Memory, was a precious commodity in 1987. Computers typically came with 640KB of RAM, though some could be expanded to 1MB or more using expanded or extended memory specifications. Sufficient memory was crucial for running complex programs and multitasking.
Storage: Floppy Disks and Hard Drives
Storage was primarily handled by floppy disks. These were available in two main sizes: 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch. 5.25-inch disks held around 360KB or 1.2MB of data, while 3.5-inch disks held 720KB or 1.44MB. Hard drives were becoming more common, but they were still relatively expensive and offered limited storage capacity, typically ranging from 10MB to 40MB.
Expansion Slots: Customizing Your Machine
Expansion slots, such as ISA (Industry Standard Architecture), allowed users to add new functionality to their computers by installing expansion cards. These cards could provide features such as enhanced graphics, sound, networking, or additional ports. These slots were essential for upgrading and customizing a computer.
Software and the User Experience
The software landscape of 1987 was vastly different from today’s app-driven world. Operating systems were primarily text-based, and graphical user interfaces (GUIs) were still relatively new.
Operating Systems: MS-DOS and Beyond
MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk Operating System) was the dominant operating system for IBM PC-compatible computers. It was a command-line interface, requiring users to type in commands to navigate the file system and run programs. Apple Macintosh computers, on the other hand, featured a graphical user interface from the start, making them more user-friendly for non-technical users. Other operating systems like OS/2 were also emerging.
Applications: Productivity and Games
Software applications in 1987 included word processors, spreadsheets, databases, and graphics programs. Popular examples included WordPerfect, Lotus 1-2-3, and dBase. Computer games were also gaining popularity, with titles like “The Legend of Zelda,” “Space Quest,” and “Maniac Mansion” pushing the limits of what was possible on these machines.
The Cultural Impact of the 1987 Computer
The computers of 1987 were more than just machines; they were symbols of progress and innovation. They were transforming the way people worked, learned, and communicated. The personal computer was becoming an increasingly integral part of everyday life.
The Rise of the Home Computer
The 1980s saw the rise of the home computer, with models like the Commodore 64, the Apple II, and the Atari 800 competing for market share. These machines were more affordable than business-oriented PCs and offered a wide range of software for games, education, and productivity.
The Changing Workplace
Computers were also transforming the workplace, automating tasks and increasing efficiency. Word processing software replaced typewriters, spreadsheets replaced ledger books, and email began to replace traditional mail.
In conclusion, a computer in 1987 was a far cry from the sleek, powerful devices we use today. It was a beige box with limited processing power, limited memory, and a command-line interface. Yet, it was also a revolutionary tool that was changing the world. These machines laid the foundation for the digital age we live in today. The 1987 computer was a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the time, a bridge between the analog past and the digital future.
What were some of the most popular computer models available in 1987?
In 1987, the personal computer market was diverse and rapidly evolving. The IBM PC and its clones were dominant, offering varying levels of performance and compatibility. Models like the IBM PS/2 were introduced, aiming to set new standards with their Micro Channel Architecture, though they faced some resistance. Apple’s Macintosh line continued to be a strong contender, known for its user-friendly graphical interface and focus on desktop publishing and creative applications. Commodore’s Amiga series, particularly the Amiga 500, was popular for its advanced graphics and sound capabilities, attracting gamers and multimedia enthusiasts.
Other notable players included Atari, with its Atari ST series, which offered a cost-effective alternative to the Macintosh. The 8-bit market, while declining, still had some presence with computers like the Commodore 64 and Apple II series. These machines catered to budget-conscious users and offered a wide range of software, especially games. The landscape was characterized by competing architectures, operating systems, and software ecosystems, giving consumers a considerable number of choices depending on their needs and budgets.
What were the typical specifications of a mid-range computer in 1987?
A mid-range computer in 1987 typically featured an Intel 80286 processor running at around 8-12 MHz. RAM would likely be between 640KB and 1MB, often expandable via memory cards. Storage usually consisted of a 20-40MB hard drive for programs and data, complemented by one or two 5.25-inch floppy disk drives for software installation and file transfer. Graphics were commonly handled by an EGA (Enhanced Graphics Adapter) card, offering a resolution of 640×350 with 16 colors.
The operating system of choice was MS-DOS, often version 3.x. Peripherals included a dot-matrix printer for printing documents and a serial or parallel port for connecting devices like modems or mice. The cost of such a system could range from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the brand and specific components, which was a significant investment for many households at the time.
What kind of software was commonly used in 1987?
Productivity software was a cornerstone of computing in 1987. Word processing was dominated by programs like WordPerfect and Microsoft Word, allowing users to create and edit documents. Spreadsheets, such as Lotus 1-2-3, were essential for business tasks, providing tools for data analysis and financial modeling. Database management systems, like dBase III, enabled users to organize and manage large amounts of information.
Beyond productivity, games were a major driver of computer sales. Popular titles included adventure games like King’s Quest, strategy games like Civilization, and arcade-style games like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Early desktop publishing software, such as PageMaker, allowed users to create professional-looking documents, newsletters, and brochures. Programming languages like BASIC and Pascal were also widely used for developing custom applications and learning computer science fundamentals.
How did people typically connect to the internet in 1987?
Internet access in 1987 was significantly different from today’s broadband experience. The most common method was dial-up access using a modem connected to a telephone line. Modems transmitted data at relatively slow speeds, typically 300 or 1200 bits per second (bps), though some faster modems operating at 2400 bps were becoming available. Connecting required dialing a specific phone number to reach an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or a bulletin board system (BBS).
Once connected, users could access online services like CompuServe, Prodigy, or AOL, which offered email, news, forums, and other content. The World Wide Web did not yet exist in its modern form; instead, users navigated through text-based interfaces using protocols like Gopher and FTP. Internet access was primarily used by researchers, academics, and technically inclined individuals, rather than the general public.
What were the common storage devices used in 1987?
In 1987, the primary storage devices were floppy disks and hard drives. Floppy disks came in two main sizes: 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch. The 5.25-inch floppy disks were the more common of the two, storing approximately 360KB or 1.2MB of data, depending on whether they were double-density or high-density. These were used for installing software, backing up files, and transferring data between computers. The smaller and more durable 3.5-inch floppy disks, storing 720KB or 1.44MB, were gaining popularity, particularly with the advent of new computer models.
Hard drives provided significantly larger storage capacities, typically ranging from 10MB to 40MB. These internal drives were essential for storing operating systems, applications, and user data. The cost per megabyte of storage was considerably higher for hard drives compared to floppy disks, making them a more premium option. Tape drives were also used for backups, primarily in business settings, offering a cost-effective solution for archiving large amounts of data.
How did computer graphics and displays differ from today’s standards in 1987?
Computer graphics in 1987 were rudimentary compared to today’s high-resolution, photorealistic displays. The most common display standards were CGA (Color Graphics Adapter), EGA (Enhanced Graphics Adapter), and VGA (Video Graphics Array). CGA offered a limited color palette and low resolution, while EGA improved upon this with more colors and higher resolution. VGA, introduced later in the year, represented a significant leap forward, providing even more colors and higher resolutions.
Monitors were typically CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) displays, which were bulky and heavy. Image quality was often characterized by noticeable pixelation and flickering. The range of colors available was limited, and true color depth (24-bit color) was not yet common. 3D graphics were in their infancy and largely limited to specialized applications and high-end workstations, far from the immersive experiences available today.
What was the general user experience like using a computer in 1987?
The user experience in 1987 was considerably different from the intuitive, graphical interfaces we are accustomed to today. Many tasks required typing commands into a command-line interface, such as MS-DOS, which demanded familiarity with specific commands and syntax. Troubleshooting often involved delving into configuration files and understanding technical details. The learning curve for new users could be steep, and technical support was frequently necessary to resolve issues.
While graphical user interfaces (GUIs) like those on the Apple Macintosh and, to a lesser extent, graphical environments on PCs like GEM and Windows 2.0, were available, they were not as ubiquitous as command-line interfaces. Memory management was a constant concern, as computers had limited RAM, and running multiple applications simultaneously could lead to performance issues or crashes. Despite these challenges, the user experience was evolving rapidly, paving the way for the more accessible and user-friendly systems that would emerge in the following years.