Scarce Map of the Inner Workings of a PC

"The Ultimate PC [on verso] The Ultimate Specs",

This vintage map of the components of a PC was designed by graphic artist Timothy Edward Downs. It was one of a dozen or so road map-like posters published by PC Computing magazine in the mid-1990s as a marketing ploy to set them apart from competitors like PC Magazine and PC World. It centers on a large image of personal computer set-up with vignettes branching off to show the inner workings of the various parts. The vignettes depict X-ray views of the hard drive, monitor, speakers, CPU, keyboard, sound card, CD-ROM drive, and mouse, all rendered in a charmingly primitive digital illustration style. Each illustration is accompanied by informative text by Ron White that explains how each part works in layman-friendly language. The verso (which cleverly shows the backside of the PC on recto) helps the consumer select the components that fit their individual needs, with tables breaking down the range of specs available. A fascinating map of the interior workings of a PC, made in the early days of the personal computing era.

Timothy Edward Downs's groundbreaking work in the PC Computing series mapped the new frontiers of technology just as the mapmakers elucidated the New World during the Age of Discovery. Although the PC Computing map posters were printed in large runs, they are scarce on the market today and rarely seen in institutional collections.

References: Rumsey #10448.

Condition: A

Issued folding with a few minor creases and a hint of wear along a few folds.