Mits Altair 8800

I saw this machine on Ebay and just HAD to own it!

Here's the description from the original Ebay page :

"The Altair 8800 - the first machine to run the Microsoft Software!

This machine belonged to my father, who knew Les Soloman, and was able to purchase the 2nd and 3rd machines made.  Somehow the 2nd one has been lost, but this one has been stored rather well for these many years.  It is in apparent working condition, although since the manuals are missing, I don't really know how to test it beyond verifying that it does light up. 

I know my father upgraded it as much as was possible when he had it.  I am not sure how much of it is actually original other than the box itself.  I did poke around a bit and was surprised to discover what appears to be a western digital hard drive and hdd controller card in it.  What I wouldn't give to know what is stored on that drive!  But without the time or resources to find out, I will leave it up to the lucky winning bidder to find that out!  Also, it appears that the power supply has either been upgraded or added to. 

The exterior of the box does have some markings on it.  They appear to be stains of some sort, but are not extremely noticeable.  The insides appear to be in good condition, but a bit dusty. "

Altair 8800

Altair 8800

Altair 8800

Altair 8800

Altair 8800

Altair 8800

Manufacturer: MITS
Date: 1st January 1975

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH179. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.