MICOM 1001 Digital Word Processor
Dublin Core
Title
MICOM 1001 Digital Word Processor
Subject
hardware: digital 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 1001
The Micom 1001 word processor was designed by Micom, manufactured in Canada, and released in 1980. It had built-in plasma display (one line of 40 characters) and a single mini cassette drive for external storage. The QWERTY-style keyboard included editing function keys and tape storage control keys. The processor could be connected to a printer.
The Micom 1001 was designed around the Z80 microprocessor and the HD43160A LCD driver. Its firmware was stored in 4 2732 EPROMs.
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 1001
The Micom 1001 word processor was designed by Micom, manufactured in Canada, and released in 1980. It had built-in plasma display (one line of 40 characters) and a single mini cassette drive for external storage. The QWERTY-style keyboard included editing function keys and tape storage control keys. The processor could be connected to a printer.
The Micom 1001 was designed around the Z80 microprocessor and the HD43160A LCD driver. Its firmware was stored in 4 2732 EPROMs.
Museum holdings
- MICOM 1001 digital word processor, model number M1001, serial number 500627,
- Micom 2001, Reference Manual, Micom Data Systems Ltd, 1980,
- Micom/Philips promo literature.
Creator
Micom/Philips
Identifier
H.41
Coverage
World, 1980s
Contribution Form
Online Submission
No
Files
Citation
Micom/Philips, “MICOM 1001 Digital Word Processor,” York University Computer Museum Canada, accessed April 28, 2024, https://museum.eecs.yorku.ca/items/show/65.