The world's first laptops: the evolution of portable computers from 1973 to 1985

Portable computers are an integral part of our lives today, but few people think about how they appeared. The first laptops were bulky, expensive, and not nearly as powerful as today's devices. Their creation became a revolution in the IT industry, laying the foundation for the development of mobile technologies.

In this article we dive into history the first laptops in the world, let's look at their technical characteristics, design features and how they influenced the future of computer technology. You will learn which models are considered pioneers, who was behind their development, and why some of them failed in the market, despite their innovative potential.

From IBM 5100, who weighed almost 12 kg, to Compaq Portable, which became the first true “portable” IBM-compatible PC - the history of these devices is full of amazing facts and engineering solutions that are still relevant today.

1. IBM 5100 (1973) - the world's first "portable" computer

Officially the first laptop in the world considered IBM 5100 Portable Computer, introduced in September 1973. However, calling it a “laptop” in the modern sense would be an exaggeration: the device weighed 11.8 kg, had the size of a small suitcase and cost astronomical for those times $8975 (about $60,000 in terms of 2026).

Despite the dimensions, IBM 5100 was revolutionary: it combined a processor, a keyboard, a monochrome display on 5 inches and built-in magnetic tape memory. The device worked under the control of a language interpreter APL And BASIC, making it a versatile tool for engineers and scientists. I wonder what IBM positioned it as a “personal computer” - a term that was just beginning to come into use.

• 🔹 Processor: 16-bit IBM PALM (1.9 MHz)
• 🔹 RAM: from 16 to 64 KB (optional)
• 🔹 Storage: magnetic tape (up to 204 KB) or cartridges
• 🔹 Display: monochrome 5" (16 lines × 64 characters)

Main disadvantage IBM 5100 — inability to connect to external devices (for example, printers or disk drives). However, it was the first step towards creating truly portable computers. In total, approximately 20,000 copies, which at that time was an impressive result.

2. Osborne 1 (1981) - the first commercially successful portable computer

If IBM 5100 was more of a "portable terminal", then Osborne 1, released in 1981, was the first mass-produced laptop computer. Its creator Adam Osborne, set himself the task of making a device that could be taken with you on a plane - and he succeeded. Weight Osborne 1 amounted to "total" 10.7 kg, and the price was $1795, which was 5 times cheaper IBM 5100.

Key features of the model:

• 💻 Processor: Zilog Z80 (4 MHz)
• 💾 Storage: two disk drives for 5.25-inch floppy disks (91 KB each)
• 🖥️ Display: monochrome 5" (24 lines × 52 characters)
• 🔋 Autonomy: was absent (worked only from the network)

Feature Osborne 1 was built-in software package, which includes a text editor, a spreadsheet processor, a database and even two games. This made it extremely attractive to business users. However, the device had a serious drawback: The display was too small and dim for comfortable work, and the keyboard is uncomfortable.

⚠️ Attention: Osborne 1 became a victim of his own success. Company Osborne Computer Corporation went bankrupt in 1983 due to the premature announcement of a successor (Osborne Executive), which led to a drop in sales of the current model. This incident went down in history as "Osborne effect" - when the announcement of a new product kills the demand for the old one.

3. Epson HX-20 (1982) - the first battery-powered laptop

In 1982 the company Epson presented HX-20 - a device that can rightfully be called first real laptop. His weight was only 1.6 kg, and most importantly, he worked from nickel-cadmium batteries, providing up to 50 hours autonomous operation (using an additional battery pack).

Epson HX-20 was equipped with:

• 🖥️ Monochrome LCD display 120x32 pixels (4 lines × 20 characters)
• 💾 Built-in micro-cassette for data storage (up to 32 KB)
• 🔋 Possibility of connecting to a printer or external drive
• 💻 By processor Hitachi 6301 (0.6 MHz) and 16 KB RAM

Despite its modest characteristics by today's standards, HX-20 became a hit among journalists, travelers and engineers. It was even used in the NASA space program! However, the small screen and limited features made it more of a "pocket PC" than a full-fledged laptop.

Why Epson HX-20 hasn't become widespread?

The main reason was that the display and keyboard were too small, which made the experience awkward for most users. In addition, the lack of a disk drive (microcassette only) limited the possibilities for data exchange. However, it remains a cult device among retro technology collectors.

4. Compaq Portable (1983) - first IBM-compatible "luggable"

In 1983 the company Compaq released Compaq Portable - first laptop computer, fully compatible with IBM PC. This was a revolutionary solution, since previously all portable devices had their own architectures and could not run standard IBM software.

Specifications Compaq Portable:

Parameter	Characteristics
Processor	Intel 8088 (4.77 MHz)
RAM	128 KB (expandable to 640 KB)
Display	Monochrome 9" (25 lines × 80 characters)
Storage	One or two disk drives 5,25" (360 KB)
Weight	12.5 kg

Main advantage Compaq Portable — Full compatibility with IBM PC software, including Lotus 1-2-3 And WordPerfect. This has made it extremely popular among business users. However, the weight is 12.5 kg and the lack of a battery did not allow it to be called a “laptop” - rather, it was a “portable” PC.

5. GRiD Compass 1101 (1982) - laptop for NASA and the military

One of the most technologically advanced (and expensive) portable computers of its time was GRiD Compass 1101, released in 1982. It was developed specifically for American military and NASA, and it became the first device that could be called "laptop in the modern sense".

Features GRiD Compass 1101:

• 🔋 Worked from battery (up to 2 hours of autonomy)
• 💻 Equipped with a processor Intel 8086 (8 MHz) and 340 KB RAM
• 🖥️ Had electroluminescent display 320x240 pixels with backlight
• 💾 Used solid state drive on chips (384 KB)
• 💰 Worth it $8000–$10 000 (about $25,000 today)

This laptop was so reliable that it was carried into space on NASA shuttles. It was also used by the US Army to control missile guidance systems. However, due to the high price and specialized purpose GRiD Compass did not become widespread.

⚠️ Attention: GRiD Compass 1101 had a unique feature - its body was made of magnesium alloy, which made it durable, but very heavy (5.4 kg). In addition, it was equipped touch screen (albeit with resistive technology), which was innovative for that time.

6. Kaypro II (1982) - a “suitcase” computer for businessmen

Another prominent representative of early portable computers was Kaypro II, released in 1982. He weighed 13 kg and looked like a small suitcase, but at the same time offered excellent characteristics for its time:

• 💻 Processor Zilog Z80 (2.5 MHz)
• 💾 Two disk drives 5,25" (190 KB each)
• 🖥️ Monochrome display 9" (24 lines × 80 characters)
• 💰 Price: $1595 (cheaper than Osborne 1)

Kaypro II came with a full suite of programs, including a word processor, spreadsheets, and database. Its main advantage is reliability and simplicity. However, like other "luggable" computers, it was not truly portable due to its weight and lack of battery.

Interesting fact: Kaypro became one of the first companies to sell computers through postal catalogs, which significantly expanded its audience. During peak years the company sold up to 50,000 devices per month!

7. Why did the first laptops fail in the mass market?

Despite their innovation, most early laptop computers failed to gain widespread popularity. There are several reasons:

1. High price. Even the cheapest models cost $1500–$2000, which is equivalent $5000–$7000 today. By comparison, the average household income in the United States in the 1980s was about $20,000 per year.
2. Limited options. Small screens, weak processors and lack of hard drives made them unsuitable for serious tasks.
3. Inconvenient to use. Weight in 10–13 kg and the lack of batteries in most models negated the idea of portability.
4. Competition with desktop PCs. By the mid-1980s, desktop computers had become cheaper and more powerful, making laptops less attractive.

However, these devices laid the foundation for future innovations. Without them there would be nothing IBM ThinkPad, nor Apple PowerBook, nor modern ultrabooks.

8. The influence of the first laptops on modern devices

Modern laptops bear little resemblance to their “great-grandfathers,” but many solutions that appeared in the 1970s and 1980s are still relevant:

• 🔋 Autonomy. Epson HX-20 And GRiD Compass proved that computers can work without a power outlet.
• 🖥️ Compact displays. LCD screens, first used in portable devices, have become the standard today.
• 💾 Solid State Drives. GRiD Compass used flash memory long before the advent of SSDs.
• 💻 Compatibility. Compaq Portable showed how important it is to support standard software.

Today laptops weigh 1–2 kg, work according to 10–12 hours battery powered and equipped with processors thousands of times more powerful than IBM 5100. However, the principles laid down by the pioneers - portability, autonomy and versatility - remain unchanged.

If you ever come across one of these retro laptops at an auction or museum, remember: you're not just looking at a piece of vintage technology, you're looking at a piece of history that changed the world.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about early laptops

🔹 Which laptop is considered the very first in the world?

Officially recognized as the first portable computer IBM 5100 (1973). However, the term “laptop” is applied to it conditionally - it was more like a “portable terminal”. The first device close to modern laptops was GRiD Compass 1101 (1982).

🔹 How much did the first laptops cost?

Prices ranged from $1500 per Osborne 1 up to $10,000 per GRiD Compass. In today's money this is $5000–$25 000. By comparison, the average desktop PC in the 1980s cost $2,000–$3,000.

🔹 What were the first laptops used in space?

The NASA program used GRiD Compass 1101 (on shuttles) and Epson HX-20 (for calculations in orbit). GRiD It was even developed by order of the American military and astronauts.

🔹 Why were the first laptops so heavy?

Main reasons:

1. Usage CRT displays or bulky LCD panels.
2. Availability mechanical drives (5.25-inch floppy disks).
3. Cases from metal for protection against vibrations.
4. Lack of miniature components (processors, batteries, boards).

🔹Where can you see the first laptops today?

Most of the original models are in museums such as:

• 🏛️ Computer History Museum (USA, Mountain View)
• 🏛️ National Museum of American History (Washington)
• 🏛️ Science Museum (London)

Some copies (Osborne 1, Compaq Portable) periodically appear on auctions (e.g. eBay) for prices ranging from $500 to $5000 depending on condition.