Final answer:
The transistor was the invention by Bell Labs that made computers cheaper, faster, and more reliable. It allowed for smaller physical sizes and led to the development of the integrated circuit, which further reduced the size and cost of computers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The invention by Bell Labs that enabled computers to be cheaper, faster, and more reliable was the transistor. The transistor was a groundbreaking development in the history of computing. In 1948, John Bardeen, Walter Brattain, and William Shockley invented the transistor at Bell Laboratories. This innovation performed the same electronic function as a vacuum tube but could be made much smaller since it was fabricated from silicon and metal and did not require a glass tube to contain a vacuum. By the early 1960s, transistors had replaced vacuum tubes in most electronic devices. This transition allowed for the creation of the portable transistor radio and laid the groundwork for further advances in computing technology.
In the late 1950s, another significant milestone was reached with the development of the silicon-based integrated circuit. The integrated circuit combined many transistors into a single silicon chip, which resulted in faster computation, lower power consumption, smaller physical size, and lower production costs. This innovation significantly reduced the size and cost of computers and was a precursor to the development of the microprocessor and the personal computer industry, exemplified by companies like Apple and IBM. Ultimately, it was the integrated circuit that had a more direct impact on making computers smaller and more accessible to the general public.