My first computer was a TI-99/4. In 1980, I have no idea where my parents got the $$ for it. I'm 56 years old now and have supported myself and my family by programming for nearly 25 years.
I had one. Probably 1982 or so. They were a few hundred dollars initially, which was not insignificant for a high schooler in those days, but dropped to $49 just before they were discontinued in 1984 or 1985.
