| The laptop computer has a long history which began | | | | with IBM were two Toshiba models, the T1000 and |
| in 1981 when a portable computer known as | | | | the T1200, and the IBM PC Convertible. The Toshiba |
| 'Osborne' was made. Although it was rather heavy | | | | models were introduced in 1987, while the IBM one |
| and clumsy, with a tiny screen, it had a major impact | | | | was launched the year before. During the next few |
| on computer technology. For the first time, business | | | | years, there was rapid progress in the technology of |
| people were able to transport data if they had to | | | | laptops and by 1995 they were common place. |
| attend out of town meetings. | | | | Now that we have reached the 21st Century, laptops |
| Two years later, along came the Compaq Portable. | | | | have become a way of life. Just about everyone has |
| Although hardly portable by today's standards, and | | | | one. Technology has advanced so fast that we |
| almost as heavy as the Osborne, it was the first IBM | | | | forget that it was not long ago that owing a |
| duplicate. This computer was able to run off MS-DOS | | | | computer was considered to be a luxury. Today it is |
| but it required electricity. | | | | a necessity and we use our computers for |
| The first laptop that came close to the ones we are | | | | everything. |
| familiar with today was the GriD Compass 1101, | | | | With the convenience of laptops, we are not bound |
| designed by Bill Moggridge, and released during 1982. | | | | to our homes or offices. Just walk into any |
| This computer was housed in a magnesium case | | | | restaurant, hotel or other public place and you will see |
| which is similar to the clam shell casings that we see | | | | men, women and children busy on their laptops. They |
| on modern laptops. | | | | are used for entertainment purposes, business |
| Another two laptops that are worth a mention in this | | | | purposes and research purposes. |
| era were the Gavilan SC and the Sharp PC-5000, | | | | The laptop computer has certainly caused a |
| especially the Gavilan which was the first to be | | | | revolution. We can sit across town and pay our bills, |
| marketed using the word 'laptop'. In 1983 the biggest | | | | order furniture, or chat face-to-face with our friends |
| selling laptop computer was the Kyocera 85 which | | | | and family anywhere in the world. There are many |
| was truly portable in the sense that it could run on | | | | accessories that can be purchased for laptops. These |
| standard batteries. | | | | include battery packs, USB cables, webcams and |
| Three other commercial laptops that were compatible | | | | even joysticks for playing games. |