IBM PC (Model 5150)

The IBM PC (Model 5150) wasn't just a computer; it was the genesis of the modern PC era. Released in 1981, it quickly became the standard, influencing countless compatible machines and shaping the personal computing landscape for decades. Its open architecture, use of the Intel 8088 processor, and the MS-DOS operating system made it accessible and adaptable. People fondly remember its beige case, the clunky but reliable keyboard, and the satisfying click of the floppy disk drive. It brought computing power to homes and small businesses, revolutionizing how people worked, learned, and played.