The History of Laptops

IBM creates the SCAMP, a device using the same tech as their earlier computers, yet was made to be portable.

IBM releases the IBM 5100, which was a commercial version of the SCAMP.

Another computer was released in 1975, that being the MIT Suitcase Computer.

The Xerox Note Taker was released in 1976. It had 256 kB of RAM and a 5 MHz CPU.

In 1980, the Portal R2E CCMC was released, this having 64,000 bites of RAM, and a keyboard, along with a keyboard.

In 1981, the Osborne 1 was released, based heavily on the earlier Xerox Note Taker.

In 1982, the Kaypro was released, not much different from previous portable computers, just with a larger screen.

The Compaq Portable was released in 1983, the first IBM PC compatible portable computer.

The Commodore SX-64 was released in January 1984. It had a built-in five-inch composite monitor and a built-in 1541 floppy drive.

Apple released the Macintosh Portable in 1989, a modified version of the earlier Macintosh, or Mac.

In 1991, Apple outdid themselves and introduced the Powerbook series. These were much closer to our modern day laptops than the Macintosh Portable two years beforehand.

In 1994, IBM released the IBM RS/6000 N40. It had a PowerPC microprocessor running an AIX operating system.

Apple released the Newton eMate 300, which was intended for education, but was released for individual purchase.

Apple put out the iBook in 1999, which was the first laptop that allowed for integrated support for WiFI wireless networking.

This year, Apple unveiled the Macbook Pro, the most advanced laptop to date.