April 16, 1977: The Day Personal Computing Changed Forever
Long before smartphones fit in our pockets and laptops lived on our kitchen tables, there was April 16, 1977 — a date that quietly marked a seismic shift in technology. On this day, two groundbreaking machines were introduced to the world at the West Coast Computer Faire in San Francisco: the Apple II and the Commodore PET.
It was the birth of the personal computer era — and the start of a tech revolution that would shape the way we live, work, and connect today.
Meet the Apple II: A Colorful Vision of the Future
Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak had already made a name in the budding computer world with the Apple I, but it was the Apple II, unveiled on April 16, that would become a true game-changer.
What made it special?
Color graphics (a big deal at the time!)
Built-in keyboard and plastic casing (it actually looked like a finished product)
An open design that invited people to tinker, upgrade, and create
And most importantly: It was designed for everyday people, not just hobbyists or engineers.
The Apple II would go on to power everything from school computer labs to small businesses — even early games and educational software. It was one of the first real steps toward putting computing power in the hands of the public.
Commodore PET: The All-in-One Powerhouse
Not to be outdone, Commodore unveiled the PET 2001 (short for “Personal Electronic Transactor”) at the same event. It had a built-in screen, keyboard, and cassette drive — a compact, all-in-one look that was sleek and futuristic.
The PET became a favorite in classrooms and offices, helping demystify computers for people who’d never used one before. Its sturdy design and affordability made it a top choice for schools, especially during the late '70s and early '80s.
Why April 16, 1977 Still Matters
It’s easy to forget how radical the idea of a "personal computer" was back then. Until that point, computers were massive, expensive machines used by governments, universities, and large corporations.
But on that spring day in San Francisco, two bold companies helped spark a movement — one that brought technology out of the lab and into homes and classrooms.
It wasn’t just about machines; it was about empowering people. These early PCs laid the groundwork for the digital world we now take for granted: emails, online shopping, digital art, remote work, social media — it all traces back to milestones like this.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
So today, as we scroll, swipe, and stream without a second thought, it’s worth tipping our hats to April 16, 1977 — the day two companies took a big bet on the idea that everyday people would want to use a computer.
Spoiler alert: they were right.
Did you ever use an Apple II or Commodore PET?
Or maybe you’ve just seen them in a vintage tech video or a museum. Either way, their legacy lives on in every device we use today.
Here’s to the pioneers who saw the future — and built it.
