description Osborne 1 Overview
The Osborne 1 is a portable microcomputer introduced by Osborne Computer Corporation in 1981 and widely described as the first commercially successful portable computer. It is a luggable system rather than a battery-powered laptop, with a small built-in cathode-ray-tube display, two floppy-disk drives, and a detachable keyboard that closes over the front for transport. It ran the CP/M operating system and was sold with a substantial bundle of business software for professional users.
help Osborne 1 FAQ
When was the Osborne 1 computer released?
The Osborne 1 was released in 1981 by the Osborne Computer Corporation. It is widely recognized by historians as the first commercially successful portable microcomputer.
What features did the Osborne 1 come with?
It featured a built-in 5-inch screen, a modem, and dual 5.25-inch floppy disk drives. Despite weighing over 24 pounds, it folded up into a rugged case designed for air travel.
Why did the Osborne Computer Corporation fail?
The company famously suffered from the 'Osborne effect' after announcing superior successor computers long before they were ready to ship. This caused customers to stop buying the Osborne 1, leading to the company's bankruptcy in 1983.
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