# MPS-801
**Wikidata**: [Q1881770](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1881770)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/mps-801

## Summary
The MPS-801 is a dot matrix printer model manufactured by Commodore International in 1984. It was part of the MPS Series and designed primarily for use with Commodore 64 and other home computers of the era.

## Key Facts
- Released in 1984
- Manufacturer: Commodore International
- Class: Dot matrix printer
- Part of: MPS Series
- Instance of: Printer model
- Aliases: MPS 801, Commodore MPS-801
- Image: [MPS_801_commodore.png](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/MPS_801_commodore.png)
- C64 Wiki ID: MPS_801
- Google Knowledge Graph ID: /g/121hx6cz
- Sitelink count: 3
- Wikipedia languages: Commons, German (de), Spanish (es)
- Commons category: MPS 801

## FAQs

**What is the MPS-801 used for?**  
The MPS-801 was a consumer-grade dot matrix printer intended for printing documents and graphics from Commodore 64 and compatible systems. It was commonly used in home and small office environments during the mid-1980s.

**Who manufactured the MPS-801?**  
Commodore International developed and released the MPS-801 as part of its peripheral hardware lineup for personal computing devices, particularly the Commodore 64.

**When was the MPS-801 released?**  
The printer was introduced in 1984, according to both the C64 Wiki and German Wikipedia sources.

**Is the MPS-801 still in production?**  
No, the MPS-801 is a discontinued product. It was part of a generation of legacy computer peripherals that are no longer manufactured.

**What series does the MPS-801 belong to?**  
It is part of the MPS Series, a line of printers produced by Commodore International.

**What kind of printer is the MPS-801?**  
It is classified as a dot matrix printer, which uses an impact-based printing mechanism to form characters and images through a matrix of pins striking an ink ribbon.

## Why It Matters
The MPS-801 played a significant role in the personal computing ecosystem of the 1980s by providing an affordable and accessible printing solution for users of Commodore systems. As part of the broader MPS Series, it helped establish Commodore's presence in the peripherals market during a time when personal computing was rapidly expanding into homes and small businesses. Its design and functionality reflected the technological constraints and opportunities of the mid-1980s, making it a representative example of consumer-grade printing technology from that era.

## Notable For
- Being a dedicated dot matrix printer model from Commodore International
- Integration with the Commodore 64 and related systems
- Part of the historically significant MPS Series
- Representing a transitional period in home computing peripherals
- Having a presence on multiple language versions of Wikipedia and Commons

## Body

### History
The MPS-801 was introduced in 1984 as part of Commodore International's effort to provide complementary hardware for its growing base of personal computer users. It was specifically designed to work with the Commodore 64 and other compatible systems, offering users a reliable printing solution during a time when personal computing was becoming increasingly common in households.

### Classification and Designation
The MPS-801 is categorized as a printer model and is a subclass of dot matrix printers, which were widely used in the 1980s for their durability and low cost. It belongs to the MPS Series, a group of printers developed by Commodore to support its computer systems. The device is also known by alternate names such as "MPS 801" and "Commodore MPS-801."

### Technical Specifications and Features
As a dot matrix printer, the MPS-801 used an impact-based mechanism to produce text and simple graphics. This technology was typical for the time and suited for general-purpose printing tasks such as document creation and basic graphic output. The printer was engineered to be compatible with Commodore's proprietary interfaces, ensuring seamless integration with its computers.

### Manufacturer and Development
Commodore International, a major player in the personal computing industry during the 1980s, developed the MPS-801. The company was known for its vertically integrated approach, producing both hardware and software to support its computing platforms. The MPS-801 was part of this broader ecosystem, designed to enhance the usability of Commodore systems.

### Documentation and References
Information about the MPS-801 is primarily sourced from community-driven platforms such as the C64 Wiki and language-specific Wikipedia entries, including German and Spanish versions. These sources provide historical context and technical details about the printer's specifications and usage. The model also has a dedicated category on Wikimedia Commons, indicating its recognition in digital preservation efforts.

### Cultural and Historical Context
The MPS-801 is emblematic of the home computing boom of the 1980s, where peripherals like printers became essential tools for users exploring personal productivity. Its design and functionality reflect the era's technological capabilities and user needs, making it a notable artifact in the history of personal computing peripherals.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.c64-wiki.com/wiki/MPS-801)