IBM PC Convertible
IBM PS/2 note ) |
The IBM PC Convertible (model 5140) is a
It was replaced in 1991 by the
Predecessors
IBM had been working on a laptop for some time before the Convertible. In 1983, work was underway on a laptop similar to the
Description
The PC Convertible came in three models: PC Convertible, PC Convertible Model 2 and PC Convertible Model 3. The latter two were released in October 1987 and are primarily distinguished by their LCD panels. The original Convertible used a non-backlit panel which was considered difficult to read. The Model 2 lacked a backlight as well but upgraded to an improved
The CPU is an Intel 80C88, the
The first model was introduced at a price of $1,995, the Model 2 at $1,395 with 256K of RAM and $1,900 with 640K, and the Model 3 at $1,695 with 256K of RAM.
The LCD screen displayed 80 × 25 characters, but has a very wide aspect ratio, so text characters and graphics are compressed vertically, appearing half their normal height. The display is capable of 80 × 25 text and graphics modes of 640 × 200 and 320 × 200 pixels. [7] The PC Convertible has expansion capabilities through a proprietary
Pressing the power button on the computer does not turn it off, but puts the machine into "suspend" mode, which will hold the machine's state as long as battery power lasts, to save on boot time. The CMOS 80C88 CPU has a static core, which holds its state indefinitely by stopping the system clock oscillator, and can resume processing when the clock signal is restarted as long as it is kept powered. The system RAM in the Convertible is SRAM rather than DRAM, both for lower power consumption and less circuitry to fit into the cramped laptop case.
Pressing a lever between the two floppy drives just below the display detaches the entire screen from the unit. This feature allows the use of a full-size desktop monitor while at one's desk, an early forerunner of the "docking station" concept, and similar to Apple's PowerBook Duo.
Reception
The machine had difficulty in the marketplace and was seen as a poor value for money, since other laptops in the market had more built-in features, although it enjoyed some success with business users, who saw its battery life and portability as selling points.
Timeline
Timeline of the IBM Personal Computer |
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Asterisk (*) denotes a model released in Japan only |
See also
- IBM PS/55note
- History of laptops
- Convertible (computer)
References
- ^ "IBM 5140 PC Convertible Products and Selected Features Withdrawal From IBM Marketing: Announcement Letter Number 189-107" (Press release). International Business Machines Corporation. July 6, 1989. Retrieved May 27, 2020.
- ^ "CUSTOMER ANNOUNCEMENT SUMMARY - APRIL 2, 1986". www-01.ibm.com. 1986-04-02. Retrieved 2020-10-07.
- ^ Popular Science. Bonnier Corporation. Feb 1987.
- ^ a b Inc, InfoWorld Media Group (1986-08-18). InfoWorld. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc.
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has generic name (help) - ^ Strehlo, Kevin (1985-06-17). "The Chiclet Rule and the Green Dragon". InfoWorld. p. 8. Retrieved 23 March 2016.
- ^ a b c Inc, Ziff Davis (1987-10-27). PC Mag. Ziff Davis, Inc.
{{cite book}}
:|last=
has generic name (help) - ^ Bolat, Alex. "PC Portable". Retrieved 16 April 2021.
- ^ Inc, InfoWorld Media Group (1987-06-22). InfoWorld. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc.
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has generic name (help)
External links
- "IBM PC Convertible". IBM Archives. IBM. 23 January 2003. Retrieved September 11, 2006.
- "IBM Convertible 5140". Oh no, not another computer museum!. November 26, 2003. Retrieved September 11, 2006.
- IBM-5140 Convertible and collection of old digital and analog computers at oldcomputermuseum.com
- "IBM PC Convertible, 360 degree model", Russian Vintage Laptop Museum (museum), 6 April 2017