IBM System/23

System/23 Datamaster
Manufacturer IBM
Release date July 1981 (1981-07)
Introductory price US$9,000 (equivalent to $24,226 in 2017)
Discontinued 1985 (1985)
Operating system BASIC built-in
CPU Intel 8085 @ 4.77 MHz
Memory 256 kB RAM / 112 kB ROM
Storage two 8-inch floppy disk drives
Display Green phosphor CRT display (80 X 24 text)
Input keyboard
Weight 43 kg(95 pounds)
Predecessor IBM 5120
Successor IBM Personal Computer

The System/23 Datamaster (Model 5322 desk-top model and Model 5324 floor model[1]) was announced by IBM in July 1981.

The Datamaster is an all-in-one computer with text-mode CRT display, keyboard, processor, memory, and two 8-inch floppy disk drives in one cabinet. The processor is an 8-bit Intel 8085, with bank switching to manage 256 kB of memory.[2] The intention of the Datamaster was to provide a computer that could be installed and operated without specialists.

A BASIC interpreter is built-in; merging its BASIC with the one for the System/34 reportedly delayed the Datamaster by almost a year.[2] When introduced, a single-screen Datamaster sold for around US$9,000 (equivalent to $24,226 in 2017)). A second keyboard and screen could be attached in an extended configuration.

The familiarity of the design group gained on the Datamaster project encouraged selection of an Intel CPU for the IBM PC, announced one month after the Datamaster. The delay from the BASIC encouraged IBM's selection of Microsoft BASIC for the PC.[2]

References

  1. ↑ Data Communication Concepts (PDF) (GC21-5169-4 ed.). International Business Machines. September 1983. p. 6-7. Retrieved 7 January 2018.
  2. 1 2 3 Bradley, David J. (September 1990). "The Creation of the IBM PC". BYTE. pp. 414–420. Retrieved 2 April 2016.
Preceded by
IBM 5120		 IBM Personal Computers Succeeded by
IBM Personal Computer


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