"...The early 1980s saw the first mass market advertising of computers. Computers were available for personal use due to the diminishing costs of machines. However, manufacturers first had to convince people that they needed a computer in their home.
They made use of well-known celebrities as spokespersons: Dick Cavett for Apple; Bill Cosby for Texas Instruments; William Shatner for Commodore; Charlie Chaplin's "Little Tramp" for IBM; and Alan Alda for Atari.
Apple and IBM had some of the most successful campaigns during the decade. Apple aired its "1984" commercial during the Super Bowl, introducing an innovative personal computer to smash Orwellian competitors......"
Also in 1979 I build my own computer out of individually purchased components . a DREAM 6800. There was also numerous kits available. Massive innovation during that time
FROM https://www.computerhistory.org/brochures/1970s-early1980s/
"...The early 1980s saw the first mass market advertising of computers. Computers were available for personal use due to the diminishing costs of machines. However, manufacturers first had to convince people that they needed a computer in their home.
They made use of well-known celebrities as spokespersons: Dick Cavett for Apple; Bill Cosby for Texas Instruments; William Shatner for Commodore; Charlie Chaplin's "Little Tramp" for IBM; and Alan Alda for Atari.
Apple and IBM had some of the most successful campaigns during the decade. Apple aired its "1984" commercial during the Super Bowl, introducing an innovative personal computer to smash Orwellian competitors......"
Also in 1979 I build my own computer out of individually purchased components . a DREAM 6800. There was also numerous kits available. Massive innovation during that time