When Apple introduced the Apple II personal computer $($PC$)$ in $1977,$ industry analysts predicted very few sales. They were not wrong. Still, early PC users were young, highly educated, adventuresome, and well$-$informed. Companies like IBM and Compaq were encouraged and gambled that other, more risk$-$averse consumers, would also adopt personal computers. According to diffusion of innovation, those first PC users were $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_.$

early adopters

product leaders

innovators

diffusion leaders

early majority