D2CA's Legacy Portable-Laptop-Notebook Computers

Note: The units featured below are a part of my vintage computer hardware collection and are not for sale at this time.

KAYPRO II Year:  1982 Condition: Excellent My Cost:  US$145.91 (original: US$1,795) Features: - Z80 2.5MHz CPU - 64K RAM - 2 191K 5¼" full-height floppy drives - 1 25-pin serial port - 1 parallel port - 9" green monochrome display - Full-size keyboard Operating System: - CP/M 2.2 (from 5¼" floppy boot disk) Upgrades Made To This System: - None currently My Comments:     Before notebook computers, before laptop computers, before portable computers, the first mobile computers were classified as transportable computers. Because of their suitcase-sized cases and heavy bulk, they were also called "luggable" computers.     Looking more like a piece of electronic test equipment than a computer, the KAYPRO II was one of the first truly portable computer systems. This is the first KAYPRO model and is now a part of computer history.     The KAYPRO II is a dual-floppy computer using two Tandon TM100-1A full-height 5¼" floppy drives that, except for one minor wiring difference, are the same floppy drives used in early IBM PC/XT systems. The KAYPRO II runs CP/M 2.2 from a bootable 5¼" system floppy disk. This system can only run floppy-based software and can only store information on floppy disks.     This computer is in premium condition and fully operational. Both 5¼" floppy drives work, all system LEDs work, there are no keyboard problems, the internal speaker works and the monitor has no "burn-in." It is also a "stock" unit with no customizations made to it. This system is worthy of display in a museum.     This system was donated to D2CA by Raymond B. from OK USA. This system was sent with two full sets of original CP/M KAYPRO II software, two sets of Perfect Software manuals and a full set of KAYPRO II manuals!  Thank you, Raymond!     Before the system above was donated to D2CA, I had purchased a different KAYPRO II for just over US$80 from a person in Canada. This system is slightly different than the KAYPRO II featured above. It does not have the fold-out wire stand, has a different ventilation pattern on the bottom, the print for the drives and power is smaller, and only says "KAYPRO" on the back instead of KAYPRO II. For all intents, it appears to be a slightly older model than the one featured above. It is also fully functional. Compare the image to the left with image 5 above.     I originally acquired this second system with no software. Later, I was able to acquire a complete set of KAYPRO II software from a different source. Although the software package in image 10 shows the SELECT word processor was "cancelled" in that release, I was able to obtain it from an alternate source.     An ebay seller had been offering a KAYPRO II system for US$25,000 since 2006, and raised his price in 2008 to US$35,000 -- with no software, just the computer. The last time I checked, that offer was still out there. The seller thinks they have a unit with serial number 000003, but they show a photo of a metal plate mounted on the computer by Tracor, Inc. who previously used the computer and that was their internal tracking serial number, not the KAYPRO II serial number. The KAYPRO II serial number is a single number printed on a white rectangular decal and applied to the rear of the computer.     I will offer one of my two KAYPRO II systems for half that ebayer's current price, or US$17,500.00. And I will even throw in a full set of software and manuals at no extra cost! Free shipping!

Osborne 1 OCC 1 Year:  1982 Condition: Excellent My Cost:  US$154.70  (original: US$1,795) Features: - Z80A 4MHz CPU - 64K RAM, 4K bank-switched RAM - 4K VRAM - 8K ROM - 2 102K 5¼" half-height floppy disks - 2 SIO/2 DB-25 serial ports - 1 Motorola 6821 parallel IEEE 488 interface adaptor that can be configured as a Centronics port - 1 9-pin modem interface - 1 RS-232C serial interface - 5" green monochrome monitor (52-column) - Full-size keyboard with 14 programmable keys (using SETUP on the system disk) Operating System: - CP/M 2.2 (from 5¼" floppy boot disk) Upgrades Made To This System: - None currently My Comments:     In the early 1980's, Osborne transportable "luggable" computer systems competed with KAYPRO computers. The Osborne 1 OCC 1 is another dual-floppy computer which runs the CP/M operating system. This is the second model released by Osborne Computer Corporation (with basically the same components as the first release) and is now a part of computer history.     Like KAYPRO and other dual-floppy computer systems, the Osborne 1 OCC 1 has to be booted from a 5¼" system floppy disk and can only run software and save data on 5¼" floppy disks. Unless you have good eyesight, its tiny 5" screen can give you eye-strain in a very short time.     I acquired this system with the original Osborne CP/M 2.2 disks, other application software and the original Osborne 1 User's Reference Guide.     This computer is in premium condition and fully operational. Both 5¼" floppy drives work, there are no keyboard problems, the internal speaker works and the monitor has no "burn-in." It is also a "stock" unit with no customizations made to it. This system is worthy of display in a museum.

Osborne Executive OCC 2 Year:  1983 Condition: Excellent My Cost:  US$101.29  (original: US$2,495) Features: - Z80A 4MHz CPU - 124K bank-switched RAM, 2K scratchpad RAM - 4K VRAM, 4K character-font RAM, 4K video-attribute RAM - 8K ROM - 2 185K 5¼" half-height floppy disks - 2 SIO/2 DB-25 serial ports - 1 Motorola 6821 parallel IEEE 488 interface adaptor that can be configured as a Centronics port - 1 external video connector - 1 RS-470 composite video connector - 1 internal DMA port - 7" amber monochrome monitor (80-column) - Full-size keyboard Operating System: - CP/M Plus 3.0 (from 5¼" floppy boot disk) Upgrades Made To This System: - None currently My Comments:     The Osborne Executive is another dual-floppy transportable computer which runs the CP/M operating system. This is the third model released by Osborne Computer Corporation and is now a part of computer history. This computer was originally sold on August 8, 1983, as evidenced by the X's written on the unique dating tape decal applied to the case near the carrying handle (image 12). Note that the tape's beginning recording year is 1982 and the last recording year is 1989.     This model has a nearly identical outer case as the Osborne 1 OCC 1. The 9-pin modem interface is replaced with an external video connection port. This system has two half-height 5¼" floppy drives to accomodate a larger 7" monitor. The power switch is on the front of the console instead of inside the compartment where the power cord plugs in. And there is an extra cooling fan built into the back of the unit where the carrying handle is mounted (image 8).     The commercial nameplate is missing from this system because Osborne Computer Corporation personalized each Osborne Executive computer's nameplate with the owner's name. Apparently, the original owner chose to remove their name from their computer before parting with it.     This system still sacrifices screen size for a heat-dissipating grill that takes up a third of the front of the computer. A second heat-dissipating vent is exposed by sliding open a plastic panel near the top of the case.     Like KAYPRO and other dual-floppy computer systems, the Osborne Executive has to be booted from a 5¼" system floppy disk and can only run software and save data on 5¼" floppy disks.     I originally acquired this system with no software. Later, I was able to acquire an Osborne version of CP/M Plus 3.0 along with other CP/M application software.     This computer is in premium condition and fully operational. Both 5¼" floppy drives work, there are no keyboard problems, the internal speaker works and the monitor has no "burn-in." It is also a "stock" unit with no customizations made to it. This system is worthy of display in a museum.

Compaq 101709 Year:  1983 Condition: Excellent My Cost:  US$64.01  (original: US$3,590) Features: - 8088 4.8MHz CPU - 640K RAM - 30MB 5¼" full-height RLL hard drive - 360K 5¼" full-height floppy drive - 1 9-pin serial port, 1 25-pin serial port, 1 parallel port - CGA video card with CGA and external monitor ports - 9" green monochrome display - Full-size keyboard with IBM XT layout Operating System: - Compaq Personal Computer DOS Version 3.20 Upgrades Made To This System: - None currently My Comments:     The 101709 was the first portable computer made by Compaq. It is now a part of computer history.     This model has been upgraded to include a 30MB 5¼" full-height RLL hard drive. Using SpinRite II 1.0 the hard drive was able to achieve a 166% increase in data throughput by having SpinRite optimize the drive's sector interleave setting. I also performed a non-destructive low-level format on the hard drive with SpinRite II 1.0 and it detected 2 bad sectors -- incredibly good for a hard drive of that age.     This computer is fully functional and can run legacy DOS software.

Toshiba T3100/20 PA7038U Year:   1986 Condition:  Excellent My Cost:  US$15.00  (original: US$4,699) Features: - 80286 8MHz CPU - 640K RAM - 20MB MFM hard drive - 720K 3½" floppy drive - 1 serial port - 1 parallel port - 1 CGA video port - Bank of 6 dip-switches - 9½" CGA gas plasma 640x480 orange monochrome display Operating System: - MS-DOS 3.30A Upgrades And Changes Made To This System: - Downgraded operating system from MS-DOS 6.20 to MS-DOS 3.30A My Comments:     My wife found this very rare computer at a local thrift store. It originally had MS-DOS 6.20 installed on it but it was just not enough computer for that version of operating system. I FDISK'ed and formatted the hard drive and installed MS-DOS 3.30A. That version of DOS is so old it does not have a DOS editor -- it has EDLIN (AAAHHHH!!!). I also had to install an older version of PC Tools for DOS so I could have a DOS editor and utilities.     This very early laptop computer weighs in at 15 pounds. It is a very early laptop computer and pre-dates some portable "lunchbox" computer systems, such as my Compaq Portable III 2660 (below). It has a 3½" double-density 720K floppy drive which makes disk-based operations interesting.     This computer is in very good condition. There are no keyboard or screen problems (other than you can't adjust the brightness). The floppy drive and hard drive are in good condition. There are 4 bad sectors on the hard drive, something to be expected with these early units. This computer also came with its Toshiba carrying case.     Thank you, sweetheart!

Compaq Portable III 2660 Year:   1987 Condition:  Excellent My Cost:  US$15.00  (original: US$5,799) Features: - 80286 12MHz CPU - 640K RAM - 140MB hard drive - 1.2MB 5¼" floppy drive - 1 expansion bay - 1 serial port - 1 parallel port - 1 CGA video port - 10" CGA gas plasma 640x480 orange monochrome display - Full-size keyboard with numeric keypad and 12 function keys Operating System: - MS-DOS 6.2 Upgrades Made To This System: - Upgraded operating system from Compaq DOS 5.0 to MS-DOS 6.2 My Comments:     This 286 computer has a 5¼" floppy drive as its A: drive. Only software on 5¼" media can be installed on this system.     This system is fully functional and capable of running DOS software.

Compudyne 3SXL/25 Year:   1992 Condition:  Excellent My Cost:  US$30.00  (original: US$2,499) Features: - 80386SX 25MHz CPU - 4MB RAM - 512K VRAM - 80MB hard drive - 1.44MB 3½" floppy drive - Internal 2400 baud modem - 1 proprietary card slot - 1 expansion bus - 1 PS/2 port - 1 serial port - 1 parallel port - 1 VGA video port - TFT LCD VGA 640x480 monochrome display - 2-button trackball "mouse" Operating System/GUI: - MS-DOS 6.22 / Microsoft Windows For Workgroups 3.11 Upgrades Made To This System: - Installed a "clean" copy of MS-DOS 6.22 - Installed Windows for Workgroups 3.11 My Comments:     This is one of the earliest 386 notebook computers. They are very hard to find today.     It's interesting to note that although this notebook computer has a 3½" floppy drive, the icon for the floppy drive access light is that of a 5¼" floppy disk (image 7).     Currently, I have a second Compudyne 3SXL/25 nearly identical to this one except it has a 124MB hard drive and a white 3½" 1.44MB floppy drive (the one shown above has a black floppy drive).

HP OmniBook 4000C 4/100 Year:   1995 Condition:  Excellent My Cost:  US$20.00  (original: US$3,199) Features: - 80486DX4 100MHz CPU - 8MB RAM - 1MB VRAM - 520MB hard drive - 1.44MB 3½" removable floppy drive - 2 PCMCIA Type II slots - Integrated 115K baud bi-directional infrared - Integrated ESS audio chipset - Integrated stereo speakers - Intetgrated audio line-in jack - Intetgrated audio microphone jack - Intetgrated audio headphone jack - 1 SVGA video port - 1 PS/2 port - 1 serial port - 1 parallel port - 1 expansion bus connector - 1 Kensington lock slot - 10.4" TFT SVGA 640x480x65,536 display - 2-button trackball "mouse" Operating System/GUI: - MS-DOS 6.22 / Microsoft Windows For Workgroups 3.11 Upgrades Made To This System: - Installed a "fresh" copy of MS-DOS 6.22 - Installed a "fresh" copy of Windows for Workgroups 3.11 My Comments:     This is a fast 486 notebook computer. 8MB of RAM was a lot of memory for a 486 notebook computer in 1995. To this day, the original battery will still hold some charge.

Toshiba Satellite Pro 400CS PA1207U V Year:   1995 Condition:  Good My Cost:  US$30.00  (original: US$3,299) Features: - Intel Pentium 75MHz CPU - 40MB RAM - 1MB VRAM - 810MB hard drive - 8x CD-ROM drive - External 1.44MB floppy drive - ESS sound chipset - 2 PCMCIA slots - Speaker jack - Microphone jack - Headphone jack - 1 infrared receiver - 1 expansion bus - 1 PS/2 port - 1 serial port - 1 parallel port - 1 VGA port - DSTN passive matrix VGA display - Rear cooling fan - Built-in speaker for sound chipset - 2-button joystick "mouse" - Megahertz PCMCIA Combination 10Mb Ethernet / 28.8K modem card Operating System: - Windows 98 Second Edition Upgrades Made To This System: - Upgraded RAM from 8MB to 40MB - Upgraded the operating system from Windows 95 to Windows 98SE - Added a Megahertz PCMCIA Combination 10Mb Ethernet/28.8K modem card My Comments:     40MB of RAM was a lot of memory for a Pentium notebook computer in 1995. The top "left mouse" button is worn but functional. The rest of the system is in excellent condition.

Compaq Armada 7800 6300/T/8000/V/0/3 Year:   1998 Condition:  Excellent My Cost:  US$50.00  (original: US$3,799) Features: - Intel Pentium II 300MHz CPU - 64MB RAM - 4MB VRAM - 8GB hard drive - 20x removable CD-ROM drive - S3 VIRGE MX video chipset - ESS1879 sound chipset - Built-in microphone - 2 PCMCIA slots - 1 USB port - 1 infrared receiver - 1 expansion bus - SVGA video port - PS/2 port - 1 serial port - 1 parallel port - 14.1" CTFT SVGA 1024x768 display - Stereo speakers - Rear cooling fan - Speaker jack - Microphone jack - Headphone jack - 2-button joystick "mouse" - Integrated AC Adaptor - 3com 10/100 LAN+56K Global Modem CardBus Operating System: - Windows 2000 Professional Upgrades Made To This System: - Upgraded the operating system from Windows 98 Second Edition to Windows 2000 Professional - Added a 3com 10/100 LAN+56K Global Modem CardBus My Comments:     Where Compaq came up with their model designation for this system is beyond me.

Toshiba Satellite 2800-S201 Year:   1999 Condition:  Excellent My Cost:  Donated!  (original: US$1,199) Features: - Intel Pentium III 650MHz CPU - 320MB RAM (system limit) - 8MB VRAM - 60GB hard drive - 8x DVD-ROM / 24x CD-ROM drive - 1.44MB 3½" floppy drive - S3 Savage/IX video chipset - Yamaha DS-XG sound chipset - 2 PCMCIA slots - 2 USB ports - 1 parallel port - 1 PS/2 port - 1 headphone jack - 1 microphone jack - 1 DVD audio/video TV/projector out jack - Media player switch - CD/DVD control buttons - Audio bass button - Internet button - 13.3" 1024 x 768 TFT display - Internal bass speakers (front) - Internal stereo speakers (rear) - Internal tweeter speaker (bottom) - Volume control dial - "Mouse" pointing device - AccuPoint II "mouse" buttons - Internal cooling fan Operating System: - Windows 2000 Professional Upgrades Made To This System: - Upgraded the operating system from Windows Millennium Edition to Windows 2000 Professional My Comments:     This is a fast notebook computer that can play DVD movies, run a broadband Internet connection and much more.     This notebook computer was donated to Dan's 20th Century Abandonware!

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Updated last on 11/18/2008.
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