Les Solomon

Les Solomon. As the technical editor for Popular Electronics magazine in the 1970s, he played a pivotal role in bringing the Altair 8800 microcomputer to the public, an event widely considered the spark that ignited the personal computer revolution. His advocacy and editorial decisions provided a crucial platform for early innovators like Ed Roberts and inspired a generation of future technology leaders, including Bill Gates and Paul Allen. Solomon's work at the intersection of hobbyist journalism and emerging technology helped transform computing from a corporate and academic pursuit into a mainstream, accessible phenomenon.

Early life and education

Born in 1925, Les Solomon developed an early fascination with electronics and gadgetry, interests that were amplified during his service in the United States Army following World War II. After his military service, he pursued formal education that solidified his technical expertise, though details of his specific academic path remain less documented than his professional achievements. This foundational period equipped him with the practical knowledge and hands-on mentality that would later define his editorial philosophy at Popular Electronics, a magazine owned by Ziff Davis.

Career at Popular Electronics

Solomon joined the staff of Popular Electronics in the late 1960s, rising to the position of technical editor where he became known for his engaging writing style and keen eye for groundbreaking projects. He cultivated a network of contributors and hobbyists, turning the magazine into a central hub for the DIY electronics community and a barometer for emerging technological trends. His column, "Solomon's Temple," was a must-read for enthusiasts, offering circuit designs, project ideas, and his characteristic blend of technical insight and witty commentary that demystified complex subjects for a broad audience.

Role in the Altair 8800 launch

His most historic contribution came in late 1974 when Ed Roberts of MITS contacted the magazine seeking coverage for a new, affordable microcomputer kit. Recognizing its revolutionary potential, Solomon championed the project, convincing the magazine's editors to feature the Altair 8800 on the cover of the January 1975 issue, which famously proclaimed the dawn of the "Project Breakthrough!" The successful launch, driven by this unprecedented publicity, created an immediate sensation, overwhelming MITS with orders and demonstrating a massive, untapped public demand for personal computing. Solomon's role as a mediator and promoter was critical, even famously suggesting the name "Altair" after the destination of the Starship Enterprise from the television series Star Trek: The Original Series.

Influence on personal computing

The coverage of the Altair 8800 directly catalyzed the formation of the Homebrew Computer Club, a seminal gathering of hobbyists in Menlo Park, California that incubated countless startups and ideas. It also prompted a young Bill Gates and Paul Allen to develop a BASIC interpreter for the machine, leading to the founding of Microsoft. Solomon continued to use his platform at Popular Electronics to highlight other key developments and figures, including early coverage of Steve Wozniak's Apple I design, thereby helping to shape the narrative and commercial trajectory of the entire industry. His work validated the hobbyist computing movement, proving it was a viable commercial market and not merely a niche pastime.

Later life and legacy

After leaving Popular Electronics in the early 1980s, Les Solomon remained a respected elder statesman and occasional consultant within the computing industry, often appearing at historical retrospectives and reunions. He passed away in 2001, but his legacy is firmly cemented in the origin stories of Silicon Valley and the personal computer revolution. Historians of technology, such as those at the Computer History Museum, frequently cite his editorial judgment as a decisive turning point, making him a celebrated, if sometimes unsung, architect of the digital age whose magazine cover choice helped usher in a new world of technology.

Category:American technology journalists Category:History of computing Category:1925 births Category:2001 deaths