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The document outlines the evolution of portable computers from the IBM 5100 in 1975 to the mainstream laptops of the 1990s. Key milestones include the introduction of the first commercially successful portable computer, the Osborne 1, and the emergence of true laptops like the Toshiba T1100. The document highlights significant designs and innovations that shaped the laptop industry over the decades.

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46 views2 pages

7

The document outlines the evolution of portable computers from the IBM 5100 in 1975 to the mainstream laptops of the 1990s. Key milestones include the introduction of the first commercially successful portable computer, the Osborne 1, and the emergence of true laptops like the Toshiba T1100. The document highlights significant designs and innovations that shaped the laptop industry over the decades.

Uploaded by

medozk moeren
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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IBM 5100 (1975) – The First Portable Computer

 One of the first portable computers.


 Weighed 24 kg (53 lbs)—far from what we'd call "portable" today.
 Featured a 5-inch monochrome CRT screen, built-in keyboard, and
tape drive.
 Used APL and BASIC programming languages.
Xerox NoteTaker (1976) – First Clamshell Design (Prototype)
 Designed at Xerox PARC.
 Introduced the clamshell design (folding screen and keyboard).
 Only 10 prototypes were made—never sold commercially.

2. The 1980s: The First True Laptops Emerge


This decade saw major advancements, making laptops truly portable.
Osborne 1 (1981) – The First Commercially Successful Portable
Computer
 Developed by Adam Osborne.
 Weighed 10.7 kg (24 lbs) and had a 5-inch CRT screen.
 Came with two floppy disk drives and pre-installed software.
 Despite initial success, the Osborne Computer Corporation
collapsed due to poor business decisions.
GRiD Compass 1101 (1982) – First Clamshell Laptop
 Designed by Bill Moggridge.
 Featured a folding screen (clamshell design).
 Used by NASA on space missions due to its durability.
 Had a plasma display and a magnesium alloy case.
Compaq Portable (1983) – IBM-Compatible Laptop
 The first IBM-compatible portable computer.
 Allowed users to run the same software as IBM desktop
computers.
 Weighed 12 kg (26.5 lbs).
Toshiba T1100 (1985) – The First Mass-Market Laptop
 Considered the first true laptop for consumers.
 Featured:
o Rechargeable battery

o 3.5-inch floppy disk drive

o MS-DOS operating system

 Weighed 4.1 kg (9 lbs)—much lighter than previous models.


IBM PC Convertible (1986) – First Laptop with Floppy Drives
 First IBM laptop.
 Featured two 3.5-inch floppy drives.
 Weighed 5.5 kg (12 lbs).
Macintosh Portable (1989) – Apple’s First Laptop
 Apple’s first attempt at a laptop, but it was bulky and expensive.
 Featured:
o Active matrix LCD screen (better than IBM’s displays)

o Lead-acid battery (making it very heavy)

 Failed commercially due to its 7.2 kg (16 lbs) weight and high
price.

3. The 1990s: Laptops Become Mainstream


Laptops became smaller, lighter, and more widely available during this
decade.
PowerBook 100 (1991) – Apple's First Successful Laptop
 Introduced by Apple as a sleek, portable machine.
 Designed by Sony for Apple.
 Innovations:
o Trackball for cursor movement (predecessor to trackpads).

o Palm rest design, influencing modern laptop ergonomics.

IBM ThinkPad 700C (1992) – Busine

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