[timbit42]

It was because there was a lot of difference between the systems then, unlike today where they are all the same technology with a different sticker on the front of the case.

If you cared about games, the system you bought would be completely different than if you cared about business.

In the 8-bit era, if you wanted business you got a CP/M system with 80x24 text. If you wanted games, you got an Atari 800 or Commodore 64 with colors, hardware scrolling and sprites.

In the 16-bit era, there was the IBM PC for business, the Mac for people who wanted ease of use, the Amiga for games, 4096 color graphics and stereo sound, and the Atari ST (512 colors, mono sound) if you couldn't afford an Amiga. That said, they could all do games but obviously some were better than others, and they could all do business, but the perception was that game systems weren't good at business so business apps weren't made available.

[chuckadams]

What you said, but add that it was all brand spanking new to most people at the time. Novelty creates excitement, excitement creates cult brands.