The world of laptops has undergone a significant transformation since the first portable computer was introduced in the 1970s. One of the pioneers in the laptop industry is Hewlett-Packard (HP), which has been producing high-quality laptops for decades. In this article, we will delve into the history of HP laptops and explore the oldest HP laptop that paved the way for the modern laptops we use today.
A Brief History of HP Laptops
HP’s journey in the laptop industry began in the 1980s when the company introduced its first portable computer, the HP-85. Although it was not a laptop in the modern sense, it was a significant step towards the development of portable computers. The HP-85 was a self-contained unit that included a keyboard, display, and cassette tape drive, making it a precursor to the laptops that followed.
In the late 1980s, HP introduced its first laptop, the HP 85B. This laptop was designed for business use and featured a 640×400 monochrome display, 256 KB of RAM, and a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. Although it was not as powerful as modern laptops, the HP 85B was a significant milestone in the development of portable computers.
The Evolution of HP Laptops
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, HP continued to innovate and improve its laptop designs. The company introduced new features such as color displays, CD-ROM drives, and wireless connectivity. HP also expanded its product line to cater to different segments of the market, including consumers, businesses, and gamers.
One of the notable HP laptops from this period is the HP OmniBook 300. Released in 1993, this laptop featured a 640×480 color display, 4 MB of RAM, and a 120 MB hard drive. The OmniBook 300 was designed for business use and was known for its durability and reliability.
HP’s Acquisition of Compaq
In 2002, HP acquired Compaq, another leading computer manufacturer. This acquisition expanded HP’s product line and gave the company access to new technologies and markets. The acquisition also led to the development of new laptop models, including the HP Compaq Presario and the HP Pavilion.
The Oldest HP Laptop: HP 85B
The HP 85B is considered the oldest HP laptop. Released in 1984, this laptop was designed for business use and featured a 640×400 monochrome display, 256 KB of RAM, and a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive. The HP 85B was a significant milestone in the development of portable computers and paved the way for the modern laptops we use today.
| Specification | HP 85B |
|---|---|
| Display | 640×400 monochrome |
| RAM | 256 KB |
| Storage | 3.5-inch floppy disk drive |
| Weight | 4.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 30 cm x 22 cm x 7 cm |
Design and Features
The HP 85B had a rugged design and was built to withstand the rigors of business use. The laptop featured a 640×400 monochrome display, which was considered high-resolution at the time. The display was also backlit, making it easier to use in low-light environments.
The HP 85B was powered by an Intel 8088 processor and had 256 KB of RAM. The laptop also featured a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive, which was used for storage and data transfer. The laptop’s weight was around 4.5 kg, making it relatively portable for its time.
Legacy of the HP 85B
The HP 85B was a significant milestone in the development of portable computers. Although it was not as powerful as modern laptops, it paved the way for the development of more advanced laptops. The HP 85B also established HP as a major player in the laptop industry, a position the company still holds today.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the HP 85B is the oldest HP laptop and a significant milestone in the development of portable computers. Although it was released over three decades ago, the HP 85B’s legacy can still be seen in modern laptops. HP’s commitment to innovation and quality has made the company a leading manufacturer of laptops, and its products continue to be popular among consumers and businesses alike.
As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how laptops develop in the future. One thing is certain, however: the HP 85B will always be remembered as a pioneering laptop that paved the way for the modern laptops we use today.
What is the oldest HP laptop model?
The oldest HP laptop model is the HP-85, released in 1984. It was a portable computer that weighed around 3.5 kg and had a 5-inch CRT display. The HP-85 was designed for business use and came with a built-in BASIC interpreter, making it a popular choice among programmers and engineers.
The HP-85 was a groundbreaking device that marked the beginning of HP’s foray into the portable computer market. Although it was not a commercial success, it paved the way for future HP laptop models that would go on to become incredibly popular. The HP-85 is now a rare collector’s item, highly sought after by vintage computer enthusiasts.
What were the key features of the HP-85 laptop?
The HP-85 laptop had several key features that made it an attractive option for business users. It came with a 5-inch CRT display, a built-in BASIC interpreter, and a 16-bit processor. The laptop also had 16 KB of RAM, which was expandable to 32 KB. Additionally, it had a built-in cassette tape drive for data storage and a keyboard with a numeric keypad.
The HP-85 also had a range of ports, including an RS-232 serial port, a parallel port, and a video output port. This allowed users to connect the laptop to external devices such as printers, modems, and monitors. Although the HP-85’s features may seem basic by today’s standards, it was a powerful device for its time and was capable of running a range of business applications.
How much did the HP-85 laptop cost when it was released?
The HP-85 laptop was released in 1984 with a price tag of around $2,995. This is equivalent to around $7,500 in today’s money, adjusted for inflation. Although the laptop was expensive, it was still a popular choice among business users who needed a portable computer that could run a range of applications.
The high price of the HP-85 laptop was due in part to the cost of the components used to build it. The laptop’s 5-inch CRT display, for example, was a expensive component at the time. Additionally, the laptop’s 16-bit processor and 16 KB of RAM were also costly. Despite the high price, the HP-85 laptop was still a groundbreaking device that marked the beginning of HP’s foray into the portable computer market.
What operating system did the HP-85 laptop run?
The HP-85 laptop ran a proprietary operating system developed by HP. The operating system was designed to work with the laptop’s built-in BASIC interpreter and provided a range of features and functions for business users. The operating system was not compatible with other computers of the time, which limited the laptop’s appeal to some users.
Although the HP-85 laptop’s operating system was proprietary, it was still a powerful tool for business users. The operating system provided a range of features and functions, including support for the laptop’s built-in cassette tape drive and RS-232 serial port. Additionally, the operating system was designed to work seamlessly with the laptop’s built-in BASIC interpreter, making it easy for users to develop and run their own applications.
Was the HP-85 laptop a commercial success?
The HP-85 laptop was not a commercial success. Although it was a groundbreaking device that marked the beginning of HP’s foray into the portable computer market, it failed to gain widespread acceptance among business users. The laptop’s high price and limited compatibility with other computers of the time were major factors in its lack of success.
Despite its lack of commercial success, the HP-85 laptop is still an important device in the history of portable computing. It paved the way for future HP laptop models that would go on to become incredibly popular. Additionally, the HP-85 laptop’s design and features influenced the development of other portable computers of the time, making it a significant device in the evolution of the laptop.
Is the HP-85 laptop still usable today?
The HP-85 laptop is still usable today, although it may require some maintenance and repair to get it up and running. The laptop’s components are still functional, although they may be slow and outdated by today’s standards. Additionally, the laptop’s operating system and software may not be compatible with modern devices and systems.
Despite the challenges of using the HP-85 laptop today, many vintage computer enthusiasts and collectors are still interested in restoring and using these devices. The HP-85 laptop is a rare and valuable collector’s item, and many enthusiasts are willing to put in the time and effort required to get it up and running. With the right maintenance and repair, the HP-85 laptop can still be a functional and interesting device to use.
Can I still buy an HP-85 laptop today?
It is still possible to buy an HP-85 laptop today, although it may be difficult to find one for sale. The laptop is a rare collector’s item, and many of the devices that were produced have been lost or destroyed over the years. However, some vintage computer enthusiasts and collectors may still have HP-85 laptops for sale, either online or through specialized computer collector communities.
If you are interested in buying an HP-85 laptop, be prepared to pay a premium price. The laptop is a rare and valuable collector’s item, and prices can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Additionally, be sure to research the seller and the device thoroughly to ensure that you are getting a functional and authentic HP-85 laptop.