Compaq Portable 386

A bit of personal stuff:

O.K. Description time! The Compaq Portable 386 is actually a "luggable", or "lunchbox portable" (it's called a lunchbox portable because it's smaller than the original portables, which are called "sewing machine portables". They all classify as luggables, though). It weighs a good 20-25 lbs, and is very well-built (has metal frame in thick plastic case). It normall ran DOS, but I have Windows 3.1 in this one. There's a special driver to run the gas-plasma (bright orange) display at [near] VGA resolution. Otherwise, DOS recognises the display as a CGA. The computer itself does not have any expansion slots, but the available expansion box (snapped onto back) allowed the use of a couple ISA cards, and a printer attachment (I think).

To carry (portify) the computer, the screen would slide down, and snap into place. The keyboard would snap over the screen, and get locked closed with two latches. It had a nice, soft, padded handle, which didn't make the weight the problem of carrying it - it was just the fact that it was bulky. A cloth case was available for it, which had a padded shoulder strap, and pockets to put the power cord and disks in. The one pocket zipped open (all the way around - expanding the case about 2"), and a panel zipped out, allowing the use of the case with the expansion box still attached. The case made it easier to carry, making it seem like a 25lb. duffel bag.

I think the Compaq Portable 386 was mainly designed as a small footprint desktop, that could also be taken on the occasional business trip. This would allow the owner to still have access to a computer to do word processing/record keeping, without the cost (and speed loss) of a laptop, when in 1989, they were still in the 8088-286 range, and still fairly expensive.

Note: The previous paragraph was my personal opinion. I did no research, nor did I ask anyone. I just think it's a logical explanation (to me) :-)

A bit of technical stuff:

Processor Type: Intel i386sx-20

RAM: 2MB (max, 10MB)

FDD: 1.2MB 5.25" (optional 1.44MB 3.5")

HDD: 40MB WesternDigital

Display: Compaq Portable Plasma (VGAres. in windows CGA res. in DOS)

Modem: (optional) 1200 or 2400bps

Ports: Parallel, Serial, and RGB

Expansion: Port for Expansion box

Keyboard: Full-size AT style

Date: 1989

Orig. Price: ????

Got any more info? Any ideas on what the Portable 386 was actually designed for? Any corrections on the specs? Just drop me a line at: general1@moonshinehollow.com

ThAnX

~<the GeNeRaL>~

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