The Evolution of Computers Over Time

Computers have become an indispensable part of our lives. They help us with everything from work to entertainment. Today we cannot imagine a world without them. But have you ever wondered how the first computer was invented? And how it has evolved over time? In this article, we will take a closer look at the first computer in the world and compare it with the latest one. Just to highlight their specifications, price, and key differences over the time.

The First Computer

The first computer ever built was called the Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC). It was developed during World War II by the United States Army to calculate artillery firing tables. ENIAC was huge, weighing around 27 tons. It was made up of over 17,000 vacuum tubes, 7,200 crystal diodes, and numerous other components. It took up an entire room and required a team of technicians to operate it. ENIAC was capable of performing up to 5,000 additions, 357 multiplications, and 38 divisions per second. Which was considered incredibly fast at the time. Though it lacked the ability to store data, so it had to be reprogrammed manually for each new task.

Specifications and Price of ENIAC

The ENIAC's specifications were impressive for its time, with a processing speed of up to 5,000 additions, 357 multiplications, and 38 divisions per second. However, it had no storage capacity and required manual reprogramming for each new task. The cost of building the ENIAC was $500,000. If we convert that amount into today's currency it is equivalent to approximately $7.2 million.

Key Differences between ENIAC and the Latest Computer

The latest computer, the M1 chip by Apple, is vastly different from the ENIAC in terms of size, speed, and features. The M1 chip is the first-ever Mac chip designed by Apple. It is a complete system on a chip, including the CPU, GPU, RAM, and storage. The M1 chip is built using a 5-nanometer process, making it incredibly small and energy-efficient. The M1 chip's processing speed is over 3.5 times faster than the previous Macs. This makes it fast and efficient. The M1 chip's integrated graphics are also much faster than previous Macs, making it ideal for gaming and creative work.

Another key difference between the ENIAC and the M1 chip is the storage capacity. ENIAC had no storage capacity and required manual reprogramming for each new task. In contrast, the M1 chip comes with up to 16GB of unified memory and up to 2TB of SSD storage. So, it can provide lightning-fast performance and ample storage space.

Price and Availability of M1

The M1 chip is currently available in the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini. Their prices start at $999 for the MacBook Air and go up to $1,699 for the MacBook Pro. The M1 chip's price may seem high, but it is a worthwhile investment, considering its speed, efficiency, and features.

Conclusion: Evolution of Computers

From the huge, bulky ENIAC to the sleek and powerful M1 chip, computers have come a long way over the past few decades. The evolution of computers has been driven by the need for faster, more efficient, and more powerful machines that can handle complex tasks with ease. The latest computer, the M1 chip, is a testament to how far we have come. It is exciting to think about what the future holds for computing technology. Soon enough maybe we will get a computer in mobile phone size. Or no wonder it may come in smartwatch size.