MICOM 2000 Digital Word Processor
Dublin Core
Title
MICOM 2000 Digital Word Processor
Subject
hardware: word processor
Description
Historical context
(by Z. Stachniak)
In 1967, Stephen Dorsey founded Automatic Electronic Systems (AES) in Montreal to develop electronic devices for industrial remote-control applications. Five years later, AES introduced the world’s first all-in-one programmable word processor -- the AES-90.
Before the introduction of the AES-90, word processing, i.e. the creation, saving, and and printing of typewritten documents, was done on rudimentary machines such as the IBM Magnetic Tape/Selectric Typewriter. Such devices lacked displays and offered limited word processing functionality (e.g. no page structure, no direct text insertion or movement). Their word processing functionality was hard-wired and could not be upgraded.
The AES-90 processor not only had its own screen and a comfortable keyboard but was also able to store texts on, and retrieve them from, magnetic disks. Thanks to its programmability, the AES-90 word processor could be easily upgraded by just reprogramming some of the machine's ROM chips. In just a few years after the AES-90’s introduction, the office equipment market would be flooded by similar products from companies all over the world revolutionizing office operations.
Although the orders for AES-90 processors were piling up, difficult relationship with AES financial backers resulted in Dorsey leaving his company. In early 1975, soon after his departure from AES, Dorsey incorporated Micom Data Systems in Montreal. His new company manufactured a successful line of Micom digital word processors beginning with the Micom 2000. In 1984, at the pick of its success, the copay was sold to Philips.
Micom 2000
The Micom 2000 was introduced in 1976. Its design employed a microprocessor--the Intel 8080-- which made the device much superior to the AES processors. In addition, the 2000 was equipped with an extyernal 8 inch floppy disk drive. It could be networked and and offered email services. However, it was not a general purpose computer. It could not store and execute applications programs.
The Micom 2000 was followed by models 2001, 2002, 3000, 3000 MINI EDIT, MINI-EDIT, and SATELLITE.
Word processing features
Technical specifications
Museum holdings
(by Z. Stachniak)
In 1967, Stephen Dorsey founded Automatic Electronic Systems (AES) in Montreal to develop electronic devices for industrial remote-control applications. Five years later, AES introduced the world’s first all-in-one programmable word processor -- the AES-90.
Before the introduction of the AES-90, word processing, i.e. the creation, saving, and and printing of typewritten documents, was done on rudimentary machines such as the IBM Magnetic Tape/Selectric Typewriter. Such devices lacked displays and offered limited word processing functionality (e.g. no page structure, no direct text insertion or movement). Their word processing functionality was hard-wired and could not be upgraded.
The AES-90 processor not only had its own screen and a comfortable keyboard but was also able to store texts on, and retrieve them from, magnetic disks. Thanks to its programmability, the AES-90 word processor could be easily upgraded by just reprogramming some of the machine's ROM chips. In just a few years after the AES-90’s introduction, the office equipment market would be flooded by similar products from companies all over the world revolutionizing office operations.
Although the orders for AES-90 processors were piling up, difficult relationship with AES financial backers resulted in Dorsey leaving his company. In early 1975, soon after his departure from AES, Dorsey incorporated Micom Data Systems in Montreal. His new company manufactured a successful line of Micom digital word processors beginning with the Micom 2000. In 1984, at the pick of its success, the copay was sold to Philips.
Micom 2000
The Micom 2000 was introduced in 1976. Its design employed a microprocessor--the Intel 8080-- which made the device much superior to the AES processors. In addition, the 2000 was equipped with an extyernal 8 inch floppy disk drive. It could be networked and and offered email services. However, it was not a general purpose computer. It could not store and execute applications programs.
The Micom 2000 was followed by models 2001, 2002, 3000, 3000 MINI EDIT, MINI-EDIT, and SATELLITE.
Word processing features
- wordwrap,
- justification,
- adjustment,
- aligment,
- boilerplate,
- copying and cuting,
- deletion,
- footnoting,
- format letter merging,
- headers and footers,
- indents,
- centering,
- insertion,
- overstrike,
- page numbering,
- pagination,
- search and replace,
- spell checking and correction,
- table of contents and index generation.
Technical specifications
- CPU: Intel 8080A,
- RAM: 16Kb,
- ROM: ?
- display: built-in CRT, 15", monochrome,
- keyboard: QWERTY-style with numeric keypad,
- extrenal storage: an 8 inch floppy disk drive.
Museum holdings
- Micom 2000, model number C-2000, serial number 01510 with a keyboard and a diskette drive (serial number 203972),
- Assynchronous Communication, System Reference Manual, Micom, 1979 [the use of Micom as a remote computer terminal]
- Micom Software Manual, rev. 4.2, Micom Data Systems Ltd, 1977,
- Micom 2001, Reference Manual, Micom Data Systems Ltd, 1980,
- Micom/Philips promo literature,
- Program Diskette, ver. 4.2, Jan. 31, 1978,
- Program Diskette, ver. 4.2, March 6, 1978,
- Program Diskette, ver. 4.2, Sep. 18, 1979.
Creator
Micom Data Systems Ltd.
Date
1976
Format
Hardware
Type
Hardware
Identifier
H.35
Coverage
1976-1980s
Contribution Form
Online Submission
No
Files
Citation
Micom Data Systems Ltd., “MICOM 2000 Digital Word Processor,” York University Computer Museum Canada, accessed April 25, 2024, https://museum.eecs.yorku.ca/items/show/59.