History of Computers - Osborne 1

Overview

The Osborne 1 pioneered a new type of computer. The Osborne 1 was the first portable computer created that was commercially successful. It was sold well and at a reasonable price. Although the idea of a portable personal computer was a revolutionary new idea no one had been able to execute it and sell the idea well until the Osborne 1. The Osborne 1 was released in 1981 by the Osborne Computer Corporation. It was created by Adam Osborne and was considered to have been the first true portable computer. The Osborne 1 had a carrying handle, optional battery pack and closed up for protection. Although all of these new features seemed proved revolutionary, the Osborne 1 also had its disadvantages. The Osborne 1's screen was tiny is comparison to today's computers, it had a 5" diagonal. The small screen also inhibited the screen to holding fifty-two characters per line of text.