---
title: Q1 CORPORATION Q1 System
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Professional Computer
origins:
- U.S.A.
years:
- '1972'
cpus:
- Intel 8008
params:
  name: Q1 System
  image: /media/museum/photos/q1-corporation_8008_1.jpg
  company: /companies/q1-corporation
  company_name: Q1 CORPORATION
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: Q1 System
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: Q1 Corporation
  - label: TYPE
    value: Professional Computer
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: U.S.A.
  - label: YEAR
    value: '1972'
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: teletype style console
  - label: CPU
    value: Intel 8008
  - label: RAM
    value: Unknown
  - label: ROM
    value: Unknown
  - label: TEXT MODES
    value: Unknown
  - label: GRAPHIC MODES
    value: Unknown
  - label: SOUND
    value: Unknown
  - label: SIZE / WEIGHT
    value: Unknown
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: Unknown
  - label: BUILT IN MEDIA
    value: Unknown
  - label: OS
    value: Unknown
  - label: POWER SUPPLY
    value: Unknown
  - label: PERIPHERALS
    value: Unknown
  - label: PRICE
    value: Unknown
  tabs:
  - links
  forum_thread: 1251
  links:
  - title: Philon.net
    url: http://philon.net/advent2.html
    text: Daniel Alroy's website, with detailed info about Q1 Corporation
  oc_id: 1286
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230603023021/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=1286
    date: '2023-06-03'
---

Photograph of the desktop console of the world's first microcomputer system. It utilized the Intel 8008 single-chip microprocessor.

The computer system was developed and manufactured by Q1 Corporation. They delivered the first microcomputer system to the Litcom Division of Litton Industries in Melville, Long Island on December 11, 1972 (and a second system in February, 1973). In April 1974 Intel introduced the second-generation, single-chip 8-bit microprocessor, the 8080. Until then, Q1 systems were the only self-contained, general-purpose microcomputer systems in the world.

In 1973, two limited-purpose products that utilized the 8008 were introduced: In May 1973 [Micral](/museum/r2e-micral-n/), in France, introduced a special-purpose process controller; and in the fall, Jonathan Titus offered the **Mark-8**, an 8008 assembly-kit for the hobbyist market (Titus 1974). Neither product was, nor intended to be, a self-contained, general-purpose computer system.

In 1973, Q1 microcomputer systems were installed in Europe (Germany) and Asia (Hong Kong).

The Q1 System remained the world's only self-contained, general purpose microcomputer system until Intel introduced the 8080 second generation microprocessor.

Apparently, Q1 also delivered some of NASA's computers.

---

**Source:** Daniel Alroy and his website [Philon.net](http://Philon.net)

<table> <tr> <td></td> <td>We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system, please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.</td> <td></td> </tr> </table>