How we got here from there
Article Abstract:
Portable computing has a history stretching back 15 to 20 years and encompassing a variety of major technical breakthroughs. Portable computing began with slide rules and calculators and changed dramatically when Intel introduced the 4004 CPU. Many early consumer-oriented computers, such as the Timex Sinclair and Commodore VIC-20, were somewhat portable, but limited in functionality. The first truly portable computer was the Osborne 1, introduced in 1981. The Tandy TRS-80 100 was the first notebook-sized machine. Compaq built its business around portable computers with its 33-pound PC clones. 'Clamshell' portable PCs emerged in 1985, using LCD or electroluminescent displays. Toshiba introduced a new generation of portable computers in 1986, and color displays began to dominate in 1991. Modern enhancements in notebook computers include better battery technologies, power-saving CPU and peripheral designs, and mounting methods that let vendors customize motherboards or optimize them to reduce size and weight.
Publication Name: PC Portables Magazine
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1095-5070
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Alcam XL380: E Pluribus Unum
Article Abstract:
The Alcam's XL380 Pentium-based notebook, retailing for $3,138, is loaded with a 150MHz pentium processor and 32MB of RAM, making the notebook PC run Microsoft Office 97 applications with ease. The unit also comes with a 2.1GB hard drive to offer ample storage for most users. Both in function and aesthetics, the XL380 is very similar to other generic notebook PCs. The machine comes with a fairly standard notebook keyboard. The way the Home, PgUp, PgDn and End keys are arrange is nice. The keys are lined up, one above the other on the keyboard's right side. A pair of stereo speakers sit behind the keyboard, mounted on the cover hinge. The display, measuring 12.1 inches, performed very well, with no ghosting of images. Overall, the machine is in the middle range as far as price, making it a fair choice for those not bothered by having to carry around a CD-ROM or floppy drive. The inclusion of a carrying case is a nice added bonus.
Publication Name: PC Portables Magazine
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1095-5070
Year: 1997
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
Build your own notebook? not exactly...
Article Abstract:
Constructing a notebook computer from scratch cannot be done today due to proprietary notebook designs. Items such as chip placement and motherboard design are proprietary and are manufacturer-specific. However, users can fine-tune and customize their notebooks. Upgrades can be external or internal. The USB architecture allows users to connect a wide variety of peripherals, such as hard drives, scanners, keyboards, mice, printers and modems. One avenue for upgrading is memory. Users can dramatically increase the performance of their notebook systems by adding more RAM. As the computer industry matures, the push towards standardization will provide users with even more options for customization and optimization.
Publication Name: PC Portables Magazine
Subject: Computers and office automation industries
ISSN: 1095-5070
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
- Abstracts: Showtime for streaming video. Unix for digital-content creation. Power hardware for 3D users
- Abstracts: Cobalt Moon puts TV on the Web. BIG tests online comedy. MSN's show place: Ed Graczyk takes marketing on stage
- Abstracts: Double VisionBooks from Hitachi. Transmonde Vibrant 166Tmx. Compaq Armada 1520DM: riding the tide of falling prices
- Abstracts: Clicking in Hollywood: portable computing in the entertainment industry
- Abstracts: The other side of event marketing. Dead chicken parts and other tools. Stop, look, research