IBM releases its first personal computer on This Day in History, August 12th, 1981

It's difficult to imagine life today without computers, but the personal computer was barely a reality just 33 years ago. On August 12th, 1981, IBM introduced their first PC model, also known as the 5150. Can you imagine functioning today without your laptop, cellphone, or tablet?

Click through the gallery above for more images of the the 5150 and other old PCs!

Other events from today's history:

1898: Hawaii officially became a state.

1963:Sir Mix-A-Lot, the rapper, was born.

1966:John Lennon apologizes at a press conference for comparing The Beatles to Jesus.

1990: The largest Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton discovered in South Dakota.

Related:
History of the computer
John Lennon
Dinosaur discoveries
August 12th horoscope
August 12th in history

Click through the gallery below for more images of musical icon John Lennon!