The pt501 was provided by the Open University for a course called "Microprocessors and Product Development" by Continuing Education and the Faculty of Technology.

Computer is based on an Intel 8049 CPU and was designed for study or general principles of microprocessors. The board is equipped with a 2-digit temperature display and the two sets of "traffic lights", which could be controlled by the CPU. Computer was provided to students with an Experiment Booklet containing basic information on the computer, introduction to programming and 39 experiments.