NEC · 1982
NEC PC-9801
The PC-98 family dominated Japanese offices and homes until the late 1990s.
Then vs now
| Maker | NEC |
|---|---|
| Released | 1982 |
| Processor | NEC V30 / Intel 8086, 5 MHz |
| Memory | 128 KB |
| Storage | 5.25" / 8" floppy |
| Launch price | ¥298,000 |
| Big in | Japan |
Launch price is for the base model in its home market and is approximate. US prices adjusted with the US Consumer Price Index (BLS).
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Where people started on one
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Questions and answers
When did the NEC PC-9801 come out?
The NEC PC-9801 was released in 1982 by NEC.
How much did the NEC PC-9801 cost when it was new?
About ¥298,000 for the base model at launch.
How much memory and speed did the NEC PC-9801 have?
128 KB of memory and a NEC V30 / Intel 8086 processor at 5 MHz. A typical 2025 flagship phone has about 65,536 times more memory.
How many people had the NEC PC-9801 as their first computer?
Nobody has added it to the First Computer Atlas yet. If it was yours, add it.
Where was the NEC PC-9801 popular?
It was especially popular in Japan.
Can you still buy the NEC PC-9801?
Only second-hand. Working units turn up on eBay and at retro computing fairs; boxed, tested machines cost the most. Check sold listings rather than asking prices to judge what one is worth.