IBM’s first portable computer | Techday, February 16th
On this TECHDAY in history, on February 16th 1984, IBM launched the IBM Portable Personal Computer (IBM 5155), an early portable computer, the first of its own design. This model was IBM’s next release after the success of the Compaq Portable with a suitcase-sized factor.
As far as early 80’s tech goes, the PC was adequate. It had a 4.77 MHz Intel 8088 processor, 256K RAM, 9″ amber monitor, 5.25 floppy drive and DOS 2.1 operating system. It costed $2,795 and weighed approximately 30 pounds.
The IBM 5155 was actually a portable computer, as it could not operate autonomously because it had no battery. The principal marketing point was the medium suitcase size. The monitor was combined into a base unit, easily set on its flat side. The back panel, when slid away, would reveal the power connector and the keyboard could fold down or even detach from the unit. At 30 pounds, though, you would find difficulties call it “portable”.
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Author: PC-GR
The World of Technology
