Final answer:
Personal computers were not practical for home use before 1970 due to high cost and limited capability. The invention of the microchip decreased the size and cost of computers, making them more accessible for consumers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prior to about 1970, personal computers for the home weren't practical because of the high cost and limited capability. The cost of computers was so great that ordinary consumers could not afford them. However, with the invention of the microchip in the late 1970s, computers became smaller and more affordable. This led to the introduction of personal computers and made them accessible for home use.