With their slim silhouette and portability, laptops have become the computing device of choice for everyone from students to business professionals. But they haven’t always been available — just when were laptops invented? This overview looks at the history of laptop technology, from the first portable computers to modern iterations.
Understand the Concept Behind Portable Computers
Instead of thinking about When Were Laptops Invented? rather just dig on when they were introduced because Portable computers have been around as a concept since the 1950s. Both IBM and General Electric created concepts for “personal” computers — essentially portable versions of larger machines — but they never appeared in stores.
It wasn’t until 1981 that laptops first became available to consumers, with Sears selling the Osborne 1, an innovative device by Adam Osborne.
When Were Laptops Invented? – Early Prototypes
Before the Osborne 1 was created, engineers and developers experimented with earlier laptop-style computers. One example is the Britain-made Tapoint 6600, a portable computer released during the 1960s.
It featured an attached typewriter-style keyboard and could save files to a cassette tape. While these prototypes didn’t make it to market, they paved the way for future advancements in laptop technology.
Get a Timeline of Major Milestones in the Development of Laptop Technology
As technology began to travel at the speed of light, laptops evolved significantly. The GRiD Compass 1101 was released in 1982, which made history as being the first true laptop computer.
It included a 640×200 non-backlit LCD display, two 5.25 inch floppy disk drives, and up to 8 MB of RAM. In fact, this popular model can still be seen in some Hollywood films from the 1980s!
Explore How Laptops Have Been Used Throughout History
While laptops have gone through many changes over the years, they have been used in various ways throughout history. In the early days of computing, laptop computers were seen as a tool for businessmen, providing mobile access to networks and data while they were on-the-go. Over the years, however, their use has expanded dramatically. Today, laptops are used in every field imaginable, from gaming to creative arts to education and everything in between.
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