Back in the early 80s, Nokia attempted to enter the business computer market with it’s MikroMikko line of microcomputers. These computers were released by Nokia’s computer division Nokia Data from 1981 to 1987. Check out the picture below showcasing Bill Gates during his visit to Nokia to check out the latest MikroMikko personal computer.
During that time, the primary rival was IBM’s own line of Microsoft-powered PCs. As The Verge points out, no one would have guessed during that time period that IBM would become so dominant in the PC market. On top of that, no one knew that Microsoft would eventually purchase Nokia’s devices and services business.
Ahh, memories.
From 30 years ago: Bill Gates visits Nokia and tries out the Nokia MikroMikko Personal Computer. pic.twitter.com/906UFK0HTB
— Mikko Hypponen (@mikko) September 6, 2014
The first model of the MikroMikko featured an Intel 8085 processor clocked at 2MHz (yes, 2 MHz!!) with 64kB of RAM, and 4kB of ROM. The display featured a graphics resolution of 160×75 and 800×327 pixels, with a refresh rate of 50Hz. There were two 640 kB 5.25″ floppy drives and an optional 5MB hard disk.
Eventually, the device would be bumped in specs from a 2MHz CPU to 33MHz. RAM would eventually increase to 4MB and the MikroMikko would eventually feature the 1.44 MB 3.5″ floppy drive.
Check out the device pictured below.
Further reading: Bill Gates, Microsoft, Nokia
