Wang 3300
The Wang 3300 was an minicomputer released by Wang Laboratories in 1971.
Manufacturer | Wang Laboratories |
---|---|
Type | minicomputer |
Operating system | Wang T-BASIC |
Memory | up to 64 KB RAM |
Predecessor | Wang 4000 |
Successor | Wang 2200 |
Description
Model with machine time sharing created between Wang 4000 and Wang 2200.[1] Wang's first computer, the Wang 3300, was an 8-bit integrated circuit general-purpose minicomputer designed to be the central processor for a multi-terminal time-sharing system. Byte-oriented, it also provided a number of double-byte operand memory commands. Core memory ranged from 4,096 to 65,536 bytes in 4,096-byte increments.[2] Up to 16 teletype terminals could be connect to one 3300. Wang claimed at the time that it was "the most easily operated minicomputer time-sharing system available" but it has become to be seen as a "false start" since programs, stored on paper tape, took up to 40 minutes to load and it only used the physical teletype terminals instead of CRTs.[3]
Development began after hiring Rick Bensene in June 1968.[4] The software was developed by PHI Computer Services, which Wang had purchased in 1968, on an IBM 360/65 emulating the 3300.[5] The product was announced in February 1969[6] and shipped to its first customer on March 29, 1971.[7]
References
- http://wang3300.org/docs/Wang3300_BasicTimesharingSystem.700-0275.2-70.pdf
- 3300 Computer Reference Manual
- International biographical dictionary of computer pioneers. Chicago : Fitzroy Dearborn. 1995. ISBN 978-1-884964-47-3. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
- "Wang 3300 Home". April 9, 2011. Retrieved March 24, 2019.
- Computerworld the Newsweekly for the Computer Community 1970-03-04: Vol 4 Iss 9. Computerworld, Inc. 1970-03-04. Retrieved 2023-08-30.
- Wang Labs enters mini-computer market
- WANG DELIVERS FIRST MINI-COMPUTER
External links
- Wang 3300 Extensive information about the Wang 3300
- Wang 3300 Emulator A true emulator of the Wang 3300
- Wang Laboratories: From Custom Systems to Computers
- Wang 3300 on YouTube Video showing a running Wang 3300 System