Datapoint 2200

Datapoint 2200 is a pioneering computer terminal designed by Computer Terminal Corporation (CTC) and released in 1970, with key contributions from Jack Frassanito and Phil Ray. The Datapoint 2200 was the first commercially successful glass terminal, and its design influenced the development of later personal computers, including the Apple I and Altair 8800. The terminal was widely used in various industries, including NASA, IBM, and General Electric. Notable figures such as Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs were inspired by the Datapoint 2200's design and functionality.

● Introduction

The Datapoint 2200 was a groundbreaking device that integrated a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, keyboard, and central processing unit (CPU) into a single unit, making it a compact and user-friendly terminal. The terminal was designed to work with various mainframe computers, including those from IBM, UNIVAC, and Digital Equipment Corporation. The Datapoint 2200's design was influenced by earlier terminals, such as the Teletype Model 33 and IBM 2741, but its compact size and integrated design set it apart from its predecessors. The terminal was also used in various applications, including air traffic control systems, banking systems, and medical records systems, often in conjunction with Honeywell, Burroughs Corporation, and Sperry Rand.

● History

The development of the Datapoint 2200 began in the late 1960s, with a team of engineers at Computer Terminal Corporation led by Jack Frassanito and Phil Ray. The terminal was designed to be a more efficient and cost-effective alternative to traditional teleprinter-based terminals, such as the Teletype Model 28 and Friden Flexowriter. The Datapoint 2200 was released in 1970 and quickly gained popularity among businesses and organizations, including NASA, Lockheed Corporation, and Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation. The terminal's success can be attributed to its innovative design, reliability, and compatibility with various mainframe computers, including those from IBM, UNIVAC, and Digital Equipment Corporation. Notable events, such as the 1969 Apollo 11 mission and the 1971 United States dollar devaluation, highlighted the importance of reliable computer systems, which the Datapoint 2200 helped to provide.

● Hardware

The Datapoint 2200's hardware consisted of a cathode ray tube (CRT) display, keyboard, and central processing unit (CPU) based on the Intel 8008 microprocessor. The terminal also included a random-access memory (RAM) module, which could be expanded to 8 KB, and a read-only memory (ROM) module that stored the terminal's firmware. The Datapoint 2200's design was influenced by earlier computers, such as the Kenbak-1 and Micral N, but its use of a microprocessor and integrated design set it apart from its predecessors. The terminal's hardware was also compatible with various peripheral devices, including line printers from IBM and Digital Equipment Corporation, and tape drives from Ampex and 3M. Companies like Texas Instruments, Fairchild Semiconductor, and National Semiconductor played a crucial role in the development of the Datapoint 2200's hardware components.

● Software

The Datapoint 2200's software consisted of a firmware module that controlled the terminal's basic functions, such as keyboard input and display output. The terminal also supported various programming languages, including BASIC and COBOL, which could be used to develop custom applications. The Datapoint 2200's software was influenced by earlier operating systems, such as CP/M and UNIX, but its use of a microprocessor and integrated design set it apart from its predecessors. The terminal's software was also compatible with various application software packages, including word processing and spreadsheet programs from Microsoft and VisiCorp. Notable software developers, such as Bill Gates and Gary Kildall, were influenced by the Datapoint 2200's software capabilities.

● Impact

The Datapoint 2200 had a significant impact on the development of the computer industry, particularly in the areas of personal computing and terminal design. The terminal's innovative design and functionality influenced the development of later personal computers, including the Apple I and Altair 8800. The Datapoint 2200 also played a key role in the development of various industries, including banking, healthcare, and air traffic control. Companies like Intel Corporation, Microsoft, and Oracle Corporation were influenced by the Datapoint 2200's impact on the computer industry. Notable events, such as the 1973 oil embargo and the 1980 United States presidential election, highlighted the importance of reliable computer systems, which the Datapoint 2200 helped to provide.

● Specifications

The Datapoint 2200's specifications included a cathode ray tube (CRT) display with a resolution of 80 characters x 12 lines, a keyboard with a QWERTY layout, and a central processing unit (CPU) based on the Intel 8008 microprocessor. The terminal also included a random-access memory (RAM) module with a capacity of up to 8 KB and a read-only memory (ROM) module with a capacity of 2 KB. The Datapoint 2200's dimensions were 17 inches wide, 12 inches deep, and 6 inches high, and it weighed approximately 30 pounds. The terminal's power consumption was 120 watts, and it operated at a voltage of 120 VAC. Companies like Hewlett-Packard, Tektronix, and Xerox developed similar terminals, often with specifications similar to the Datapoint 2200. Notable organizations, such as NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, used the Datapoint 2200 for various applications. Category:Computer terminals