Hewlett-Packard HP9830A

• CPU: Custom 4-boards @ 8MHz
• RAM: 4KB or 8KB
• Display: 32 character LED
• Storage: Built-in cassette drive
• Ports: Printer, ROM and I/O
• Optional: thermal printer

• Operating System: BASIC (stored in ROM, called ‘BASIC Plus’ in some references)

• Supported Languages: Primarily BASIC, with the capability for machine language programming for advanced users.

The HP 9830A is a landmark vintage computer announced by Hewlett-Packard (HP) in 1972. Here are some interesting facts about this pioneering machine:

• First Desktop BASIC Computer: The HP 9830A (1972) was one of the earliest all-in-one desktop computers to boot directly into BASIC from ROM, years before microprocessor-based PCs appeared.
• Marketed as a “Calculator”: HP called it a calculator to bypass corporate purchasing restrictions on computers, making it easier for businesses to acquire.
• While it was too expensive in its day to be considered generally obtainable by individuals, the 9830A is a contender for the title of ‘first personal computer’.
• The Hewlett-Packard HP9830A stands out as the very first desktop computer. No earlier device combines all these: high-level language (BASIC) in ROM, alphanumeric display, keyboard, and storage in one portable-like package. Some notable computers were released earlier like the Olivetti Programma 101 (1965/Calculator), Datapoint 2200 (1970/terminal computer), Kenbak-1 (1971/did not run a high level programming language), Q1 computer (1972/was released several months later). Many notable computers claim to be the first desktop computer but were released after the HP9830A like in 1973: Micral, Wang 2200, Scelbi-8H, MCM/70, Mark-8 and later MITS Altair 8800 (1974), IMSAI 8080 (1975), IBM 5100 (1975)
• The Kenbak-1, often cited as the first personal computer, did not run a high-level programming language. Instead, it was programmed using pure machine code with binary instructions entered through switches and output via lights. It lacked a native programming language interpreter such as BASIC and operated at a very low-level instruction set, limiting its usability compared to later computers that integrated programming languages directly
• The Olivetti Programma 101, despite sometimes being called one of the first “desktop computers,” was essentially a programmable desktop calculator. It performed arithmetic and branching operations but mainly acted as a calculating machine rather than a general-purpose programmable computer with a stored-program language environment. Programs were stored on magnetic cards, and the machine printed outputs on paper, characterizing it more as a sophisticated calculator rather than a computer running a general-purpose language.
• The HP9830A was built Like a Tank: The machine weighed about 20 kg, with a robust design and gold-plated circuit boards.
• Expandable System: Users could add up to eight plug-in ROM modules for extra features, such as matrix math or plotter control.
• Audio Cassette Storage: Used standard audio cassettes for data storage, an unusual and practical choice at the time.
• Fast Printing: Typically paired with a thermal printer capable of 240 lines per minute using standard fax paper rolls.
• True Desktop Computer: Considered by many as one of the first true personal desktop computers, bridging the gap between calculators and general-purpose computers.
• Immediate Mode Operation: Allowed users to type in expressions and get instant results, precursor to modern interactive computing.
• Recursion Support: Its architecture allowed recursion, a rarity for its era.
• Self-Contained System: Included keyboard, display, storage, and BASIC interpreter, all in one box.

Dr. Arlen Michaels