portable computer
A computer that can be transported. Portable computing started in 1981, when Adam Osborne introduced his CP/M-based business computer called the Osborne I. It came bundled with a modified version of the WordStar word processor specialized for the machine's pint-sized screen. The Osborne I was soon followed by Kaypro, Hyperion, Otrona and many others. One year after the Osborne, Compaq introduced the first MS-DOS portable. See
laptop,
notebook and
pocket computer.
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| The Osborne I |
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| For $1795, the Osborne I came bundled with WordStar and other software. Although it weighed nearly 30 pounds, Adam Osborne made it very clear that portable computers were here to stay. (Equipment courtesy of Alfred J. Young, Danboro, PA.) |
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| Twenty Years Later |
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| Twenty years of advancements have brought us to a complete computer no larger than the screen itself. This tablet computer from Aqcess Technologies was a full multimedia PC with built-in voice recognition, camera, modem and networking. (Image courtesy of Aqcess Technologies Inc.) |
| (computer) | portable computer - (Commonly, "laptop") A portable personal computer
you can carry with one hand. Some laptops run so hot that it
would be quite uncomforable to actually use them on your lap
for long. The term "notebook" is often used to describe
these, though it also implies a low weight (less than 2kg). A
"luggable" is one you could carry in one hand but is so
heavy you wouldn't want to. One that can by easily operated
while held in one hand is a "palmtop".
The computer considered by most historians to be the first
true portable computer was the Osborne 1 but see the link
below for other contenders.
History of laptop computers. | |