Compaq Portable (1983)

Compaq Portable I

The Compaq Portable was an early "luggable" personal computer, and was the first product released by Compaq Computer Corporation, who went on to become a dominant company in the personal computer industry into the 1990s. The computer was one of the first IBM PC Compatible systems, and was released two years after the similarly-sized Osborne 1 and Kaypro II. Announced in November 1982, the computer was not shipped until March 1983, and was sold for a price of $2,995 USD (equivalent to $9200 in 2023).

When the external keyboard was folded up, the computer turned into a suitcase, around the size of a portable sewing machine. 

In the first year, Compaq sold 53,000 units, equaling a total of $111 million in revenue, which was an American Business record. Revenue hit $329 million in the second year, setting an industry record. 

Donated by: Carmine C., Connecticut