Microprocessor Celebrates 40 years!

The first ever microprocessor, the Intel 4004, made its debut in an ad in Electronic News on November 15, 1971, 40 years ago this week.

The 4004 was a 4-bit chip was originally developed in 1970 for the Nippon Calculating Machine Corporation (now Busicom) for adding machines. Busicom released the patent rights to Intel in 1971, letting Intel sell the first ever microprocessor to anyone, starting on November 15th.

Check out the attached pic of the original 4004. Classic!

It looks a bit like a futuristic coffee table with a serving tray on it! Is that actually real wood they are using?

I'm still in awe how anyone could come up with the whole micro computing concept. 1's and 0's ....

It sure does look like wood, but its brushed copper.