 IBM 1401 Demo Lab, Computer History Museum, California | |
| Designer | IBM |
|---|---|
| Bits | 6-bits plus word mark and parity |
| Introduced | 1959 |
| Design | CISC |
| Type | Memory-Memory |
| Encoding | Variable |
| Branching | Branch instruction with modifier character |
| Endianness | Big |
| Registers | |
| 3 index, in memory, optional | |
The IBM 1401 is a variable-wordlength decimal computer that was announced by IBM on October 5, 1959. The first member of the highly successful IBM 1400 series, it was aimed at replacing unit record equipment for processing data stored on punched cards and at providing peripheral services for larger computers.[1] The 1401 is considered by IBM to be the Ford Model-T of the computer industry due to its mass appeal.[2] Over 12,000 units were produced and many were leased or resold after they were replaced with newer technology. The 1401 was withdrawn on February 8, 1971.
- ^ Boshe, Charles J.; Johnson, Lyle R.; Palmer, John H.; Pugh, Emerson W. (1986). IBM's Early Computers. MIT Press. p. 473.
... configured for stand-alone use as well as peripheral service for larger computers ... A small configuration, without tapes and with the minimum memory capacity, was available for just under $2500 per month, a much lower rental for much higher performance than three 407 accounting machines plus a 604 calculator.
- ^ "The IBM 1401". www.ibm.com. Retrieved January 5, 2024.