When was the first personal computer sold to the public?
No context provided
When was the first personal computer sold to the public in a limited fashion?
1957
The history of the personal computer as mass-market consumer electronic devices effectively began in 1977 with the introduction of microcomputers, although some mainframe and minicomputers had been applied as single-user systems much earlier. A personal computer is one intended for interactive individual use, as opposed to a mainframe computer where the end user's requests are filtered through operating staff, or a time sharing system in which one large processor is shared by many individuals. After the development of the microprocessor, individual personal computers were low enough in cost that they eventually became affordable consumer goods. Early personal computers – generally called microcomputers– were sold often in electronic kit form and in limited numbers, and were of interest mostly to hobbyists and technicians.
When was the first personal computer sold to the public as a mass-market device?
1977
History of personal computers
History of personal computers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History%20of%20personal%20computers
A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use.[1]
Personal computer
The IBM 610 was designed between 1948 and 1957 by John Lentz at the Watson Lab at Columbia University as the Personal Automatic Computer (PAC) and announced by IBM as the 610 Auto-Point in 1957.
History of personal computers The beginnings of the personal computer industry
With a price tag of $55,000, only 180 units were produced.[21]
History of personal computers The beginnings of the personal computer industry
 Three machines, the Apple II, PET 2001 and TRS-80 were all released in 1977,[39] becoming the most popular by late 1978.[40]
History of personal computers 1977 and the emergence of the "Trinity"
A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose computer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use. The IBM 610 was designed between 1948 and 1957 by John Lentz at the Watson Lab at Columbia University as the Personal Automatic Computer (PAC) and announced by IBM as the 610 Auto-Point in 1957. With a price tag of $55,000, only 180 units were produced. As a mass-market device, three machines, the Apple II, PET 2001 and TRS-80 were all released in 1977, becoming the most popular by late 1978.