Computer: A History Of The Information Machine [Paperback]

These latter sections contain some technical errors that should have been picked up upon fact checking, or by the authors if they had relied on primary sources. For example, the authors cite the 6502 chip from Mostek as being used in the Apple II. The actual chip came from MOS Technology, later acquired by Commodore. No mention that the 6502 was derived from the Motorola 6800 by designer Chuck Peddle.

The book is rich on history of early developments, but for in-depth history of the PC era, you'll have to find another source. Unfortunately, many of those sources have their own flaws or omissions. If you want a taste of computer history, buy this book, but understand after 1974 is barely scratches the surface.

The difference between the two books is very slight, however, it is significant. "Computer" walks us through the work of Charles Babbage and carries us through the backrooms of large businesses at the turn of the 19th century. The authors discuss the work and lives of the people that were the first 'computers' working all day long to finish calculations that were used in business, and then for the calculation of artillery tables in the world wars. It was the replacement of these workers and their omissive errors and necessarily slow speed and development time that drove the development of the huge mainframes that would be developed by the military. The authors do a great job of walking through the history of the early computer companies, especially Hollerith's Tabulating Machine Co., now IBM, and National Cash Register. The role that these two companies played in increasing the public's reliance and trust in machines was a key enabler of the computer revolution. The authors then take us through to modern times and we follow the ultra-competitive computer industry through wave after wave of consolidation and rapid technological innovation. This book also shows us a slight glimpse of the business forces behind the development of the transistor, and how this invention would wind up changing the world.

I could not have enjoyed this book more. Of the two, it definitely did the best job of focusing on the industry and economic changes that have led us to the modern computer age. The annecdotes and writing style of the authors is well-suited to the material and I very highly recommend this book. I also recommend the other book as well - I believe that if read together (with some time to digest in between them) they do a great job of painting the picture of a fascinating development of one of the most important technological changes in the history of man.