Even though IDF Fall 2006 only starts tomorrow, we had the chance to walk around at the Moscone Convention Center, where we could see a small laptop museum set by Intel, presenting, among others, an Osborne computer, the famous Compaq Portable and world’s first true laptop, Toshiba T1000.

Released on 1981, Osborne was based on a Z80 CPU with 64 KB RAM, had a small 5” CRT monochrome monitor and weighted 24.5 pounds (11 Kg). Its initial price was of USD 1,795.

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Figure 1: Osborne Computer.

The Compaq Portable was the first IBM PC clone released on the market, in 1983. It used a 9” CRT monochrome monitor and weighted 28 pounds (13 Kg).

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Figure 2: Compaq Portable.

The first true laptop was released in 1987. Toshiba T1000 was the first one to feature a LCD screen, what made it to weight only 6.4 pounds (3 Kg). It was basically an IBM PC XT clone, as it was based on an 8088 CPU running at 4.7 MHz.

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Figure 3: Toshiba T1000.

Originally at http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/blog/51

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