(1/2) serious computing always has and always will take up entire rooms. this may seem strange considering one has a 64-bit system in the palm of their hand but this device is nothing compared with the power of ai data centers. less-serious smaller-scale computing has been around for much longer than one might think, the bendix g-15, released in 1956, is an early example, despite having vacuum tube amplifiers (it did have semiconductor diodes), it was only the size of a closet (at least the computer itself was). however, the g-15 was almost nothing compared with the more-serious computers that took up entire rooms.
(2/2) this creates a new question: why did it take so long until computers entered the home?in the early 1970s, computers did begin to enter the home for hobbyists in the form of TTL-based or early microprocessor based kits though it did not enter for non-hobbyists until after 1976. however, it was possible to construct transistor-based less powerful (8-bit or 6-bit, less powerful than most lower-end minicomputers of the time) computers that could easily fit on a large, strong desk with 1960s technology. the system could sit on the floor and a television set could sit on top of the machine and act as video output connected via RF. the graphics would be primitive but it could be a programmable game-console-like computer over a decade before the Channel F or the Atari 2600. the graphics video out logic could be implemented in discrete logic like the rest of the system. programs/games could be sold on punched tape and loaded in via a punched tape reader. the system would likely come with several game tapes and demos. peripherals could include keypads or wired controllers with buttons/switches. in addition, a modified typewriter (similar to a teletype) could be connected to the machine and be used as text input and output. the machine would likely come with several games on punched tapes designed by a dedicated team of game designers and programmers. while the system would be very expensive, it was 100% possible with mid 1960s technology.
what would 1960s home computing even be like if it existed?also, it would almost definitely be a commercial failure considering the high cost of components and the lack of use or interest from normies
