Every Audio Essays

The Misfit Who Built the IBM PC

Jun 14, 2024

Don Estridge, a corporate misfit at IBM's Boca Raton offices, revolutionized personal home computers. The podcast explores his rule-breaking journey to bring IBM PC to life, facing internal resistance and eventual success. It also covers the challenges, negotiations for the operating system, and the tragic plane crash that ended Estridge's life and impacted the IBM community.

55:18

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Episode guests

Don Estridge

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Quick takeaways

Don Estridge defied IBM's rules to pioneer personal computers.

IBM's strategic partnerships and software choices drove the success of the IBM PC.

Deep dives

The Beginning of the IBM PC Project

In August 1980, at IBM's headquarters, the decision to build a home computer led to the creation of the IBM PC. Initially a project by Bill Lowe, it faced reluctance within IBM. Don Estridge, a unique executive based in Boca Raton, Florida, took over the helm. His leadership defied the norm, leading the IBM PC division to remarkable success.

Intro

24min

The Making and Launch of the IBM PC

20min

The Rise and Fall of a Visionary Leader at IBM

12min

From IBM’s backwater offices in Boca Raton, Florida, Don Estridge ushered in the era of personal home computers. He was a corporate misfit who broke all of the company’s rules in order to change the world.

This piece, published first on Every and now adapted for audio, is the latest in a series by the writer Gareth Edwards on the history of the personal computer—and the individuals responsible for bringing it to everyday consumers.

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