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Minicomputer vs. Personal Computer

The use of a Z80 microprocessor calls for a personal computer. However, LC-81 is not planned as such, it won't never have a keyboard, a video monitor and much less a mouse. Instead, it offers a traditional console made of switches and lamps that better resembles a DEC PDP11 than an Sinclair.

True minicomputer in the 70s were mostly used to control machinery and to analyze scientific data in laboratories among others, worth to mention that of function as network routers in the ARPANET.

LC-81 is much less powerful than those real machines but my plans as per applications are more in that direction.