Buzz
This episode of Computer Chronicles showcases portable computers from 1987. Over time, the idea of portability has evolved significantly, beginning with the 1975 IBM 5100, often dubbed a 'luggable' computer, to today's ultrabooks that truly live up to the 'notebook' name, offering both compact designs and respectable battery longevity.
Back in 1987, owning a portable computer was nothing short of revolutionary. "It's no more cumbersome than a case full of binders," remarked an announcer while showcasing an HP portable used by a businessman. This setup included an external disk drive and printer for generating hard copies of reports. The device featured a small monochrome LCD display, a full-sized keyboard, and software embedded in ROM. Additionally, it boasted a modem for connecting to the home office, a feature that was groundbreaking, albeit bulky and unwieldy.
Many of you are likely reading this on laptops, phones, or tablets—just as I'm writing it on one. Curious about portable computing technology from just 26 years ago? Watch and be amazed (and don’t miss the 'cellular telephone' at 5:30, complete with a battery pack as large as a car battery).
At 16:00, observe how GPS technology worked in 1987. It required a receiver mounted on a tripod, a portable computer, and extensive calculations. Each unit came with a hefty price tag of $40,000. By 19:45, the Dynamac is introduced, the first portable Mac, tipping the scales at 18 pounds. Apple would follow suit two years later with their version, weighing "just" 16 pounds and powered by a lead-acid battery.
What was your first portable computer? My first was an IBM ThinkPad 701, famous for its innovative "butterfly" keyboard that expanded when the lid was opened, offering a full-sized keyboard on a subnotebook-sized device. While it wasn’t the fastest machine, its compact design made it exceptionally portable for its era.
