Computer Closet Collection

[ Home  | FAQ | News | Contents | Indexes ]


IMSAI 8080

See below for specifications and information on this system.

Specifications and information

Key Dates: Announced Summer 1975
Ships in 1976
Original Price: IMSAI 8080 computer original price: $439 kit, $621 assembled (exactly the same price as the Altair)
The price was quickly raised to $599 kit, $931 assembled, due to demand
CPU: S-100 card (IMSAI 8080A card installed)
Memory: S-100 card (64K RAM installed)
Operating System: CP/M
Input/Output: S-100 card (serial port)
Bus: S-100 (a.k.a. Altair bus)
Other Items in Collection: CompuPro dual 8" SSSD drives in enclosure
Items Needed: Original documentation (have photocopy)

The IMSAI 8080 was a clone of the Altair 8800. It was a much better design, with a higher specification power supply, an anodized aluminum chassis, 22 slots, and a great front panel design.

IMSAI Advertisements

Here are some classic advertisements for the IMSAI. Click a thumbnail to see a larger version of the picture.

IMSAI built a heavy duty machine, and their early ads shared that no-nonsense philosophy. Here's the first IMSAI 8080 advertisement from January 1976 (900x1600 monochrome GIF)
This clip from a May 1976 IMSAI ad shows the chassis interior..
"Experience the Excitement of owning the world's finest personal computer." March 1977
"POWER. IMSAI introduces the Megabyte Micro." A megabyte all right - with sixteen 64K boards! June 1977

See Also

Altair 8800
Collection Index of S-100 Bus Machines

Return to Computer Index

Send mail to CompanyWebmaster with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 1997-1999 CompanyLongName
Last modified: April 17, 2003