Don Estridge (Computer Scientist and Engineer)
Full Name: Philip Donald Estridge
Profession: Computer Scientist and Engineer
Biography: Don Estridge was a key figure in the development of the personal computer. He led the team at IBM that created the IBM PC, which helped make personal computers common in homes and offices.
Estridge began his career working for the Army, NASA, and IBM. In 1980, IBM put him in charge of their new personal computer project.
He is known for having made some unusual choices at IBM, including using parts and software from other companies instead of making everything in-house. This helped keep costs down and made the computer easier to expand with new parts.
The IBM PC, released in 1981, was a big success. It sold well and created a new market for computer parts and software. Estridge's work at IBM earned him quick promotions. By 1984, he was a vice president at the company. During this time, Steve Jobs offered Estridge a job as president of Apple Computer, but Estridge turned it down.
Sadly Estridge and his wife died in a plane crash in 1985 when he was 48 years old. At the time, his division at IBM had sold over a million PCs.
After his death, Estridge received honors for his work. A school in Florida was named after him, and his family gave the school some of the original IBM PCs he helped create.
Born: June 23, 1937
Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida, USA
Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Ox
Star Sign: Cancer
Died: August 2, 1985 (aged 48)
Cause of Death: The plane crash of Delta Air Lines Flight 191 while on approach at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport during a thunderstorm.
Historical Events
- 1981-08-12 Don Estridge unveils the company's first personal computer, the IBM PC, at New York’s Waldorf Hotel. Priced at USD 1,565 with 16 kilobytes of RAM, it helps bring computing to the masses
References
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