The Enigma of the Micro: Lessons from the British Home Computer Boom

Abstract

This article first outlines the early development of the home computer in Britain, focusing particularly on the sahence of the first "boom" years. Based on later interviews with users, we illustrate the symbolic and collective nature of home computmg. We show that there were, in fact, competing conceptions of the role of this product. Producer debates about these were also reflected in consumer evaluations. Finally, we argue that it would be wrong to evaluate early British micros in too narrowly utilitarian terms—the utility of other technological products has also had to be constructed by producers and consumers. Keywords: adoption, Britain, consumption, history, hobby, home, microcomputer, production.