April 3, 1986: IBM introduces a portable laptop computer

By a writer of The Christian Science Monitor

From the April 3, 1986 issue of The Christian Science Monitor

 

IBM introduces laptop computer

 

New York

International Business Machines Corporation has introduced a portable laptop personal computer, months after it was expected by the industry.

The unit, called the IBM PC Convertible, differs from laptops already on the market in that it features a detachable display screen that can be removed to convert the system into a conventional desktop computer using full-size display screens.

IBM said the PC Convertible features two 3-inch diskette drives, weighs less than 13 pounds, and is powered by batteries. It will be priced at $1,995. A modem is optional.