Portable Computer [Compaq]
Maker and role
COMPAQ Computer Corporation, Manufacturer
Production date
1983
1984
See full details
Object detail
Accession number
2020.39.1
Production period
Description
Portable Computer [Compaq].
Part 1: Square, portable computer. White plastic with a brown carry handle. Each side has "COMPAQ" in the right corner. The computer is laid down on its side on two feet and the bottom is removed with two switches to display the computer screen and keyboard within. On the right side is the COMPAQ logo and a brightness dial. Next to this is the display screen and floppy disc drive. The bottom of the computer/keyboard is connected with a black, spiralled cord. "COMPAQ" is printed in the top right corner of the keyboard. On the bottom of the computer is engraved text, "CAUTION / DO NOT OPERATE UNIT / WITH KEYBOARD CLOSED".
Each side can be opened to reveal various cable ports and switches. In the left compartment is the text, "LINE / HONE" and a white sticker, "HOOK-UP 2400S / [...]". Within the compartment on the right-hand side are three stickers. One reads, "Certified to comply with Class B / [...]". Another has, "WARNING / For continued protection / [...]". A sticker along the bottom reads, "Manufactured by: / COMPAQ Computer Corporation / Made in U.S.A. / S/N 1426022118 Model: COMPAQ / [...]".
Part 2: Black cable. On end has a three-pronged port with "PAT / 4273409" embossed. A blue and white sticker with, "FAST POST / PAR AVION" is wrapped around the end of the cable. The other end of the cable has a three-pronged plug with embossed text, "CONNECT TO / GROUNDED OUTLET / [...]".
Part 3: Grey cable with plug at each end.
Part 4: Blue transformer with a black cable and three-pronged white plug attached. "10A / 250V / [...]" is embossed on the plug. The transformer has a black port at the rear. On the front is white, printed text, "STEPDOWN / AUTO-TRANSFORMER / SD-38 LRG 200 VA / 50/60 HZ 230:115 V / GROUNDED LINE CORD / TODD SYSTEMS . YONKERS, N.Y.-U.S.A".
Part 1: Square, portable computer. White plastic with a brown carry handle. Each side has "COMPAQ" in the right corner. The computer is laid down on its side on two feet and the bottom is removed with two switches to display the computer screen and keyboard within. On the right side is the COMPAQ logo and a brightness dial. Next to this is the display screen and floppy disc drive. The bottom of the computer/keyboard is connected with a black, spiralled cord. "COMPAQ" is printed in the top right corner of the keyboard. On the bottom of the computer is engraved text, "CAUTION / DO NOT OPERATE UNIT / WITH KEYBOARD CLOSED".
Each side can be opened to reveal various cable ports and switches. In the left compartment is the text, "LINE / HONE" and a white sticker, "HOOK-UP 2400S / [...]". Within the compartment on the right-hand side are three stickers. One reads, "Certified to comply with Class B / [...]". Another has, "WARNING / For continued protection / [...]". A sticker along the bottom reads, "Manufactured by: / COMPAQ Computer Corporation / Made in U.S.A. / S/N 1426022118 Model: COMPAQ / [...]".
Part 2: Black cable. On end has a three-pronged port with "PAT / 4273409" embossed. A blue and white sticker with, "FAST POST / PAR AVION" is wrapped around the end of the cable. The other end of the cable has a three-pronged plug with embossed text, "CONNECT TO / GROUNDED OUTLET / [...]".
Part 3: Grey cable with plug at each end.
Part 4: Blue transformer with a black cable and three-pronged white plug attached. "10A / 250V / [...]" is embossed on the plug. The transformer has a black port at the rear. On the front is white, printed text, "STEPDOWN / AUTO-TRANSFORMER / SD-38 LRG 200 VA / 50/60 HZ 230:115 V / GROUNDED LINE CORD / TODD SYSTEMS . YONKERS, N.Y.-U.S.A".
Brief History
The Compaq portable computer was released in March 1983 and was the first product launched by Compaq, established in 1982. It is the first IBM PC compatible computer. Compaq went on to produce the world’s bestselling personal computers in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
The donor purchased this computer in Canada in July 1984 when he was about to return home to New Zealand following 5 years living in Canada. Computers were an expensive item to purchase in New Zealand in the 1980s and the MOTAT collection holds several computers bought overseas in the 1980s and brought home by New Zealanders.
The donor purchased this computer in Canada in July 1984 when he was about to return home to New Zealand following 5 years living in Canada. Computers were an expensive item to purchase in New Zealand in the 1980s and the MOTAT collection holds several computers bought overseas in the 1980s and brought home by New Zealanders.
Marks
COMPAQ Printed
CAUTION / DO NOT OPERATE UNIT / WITH KEYBOARD CLOSED Embossed
OPEN / LOCK Embossed
LINE / HONE Embossed
HOOK-UP 2400S / [...] Sticker
Certified to comply with Class B / [...] Sticker
WARNING / For continued protection / [...] Sticker
Manufactured by: / COMPAQ Computer Corporation / Made in U.S.A. / S/N 1426022118 Model: COMPAQ / [...] Sticker
PAT / 4273409 Embossed
FAST POST / PAR AVION Sticker
CONNECT TO / GROUNDED OUTLET / [...] Embossed
10A / 250V / [...] Embossed
STEPDOWN / AUTO-TRANSFORMER / SD-38 LRG 200 VA / 50/60 HZ 230:115 V / GROUNDED LINE CORD / TODD SYSTEMS . YONKERS, N.Y.-U.S.A Printed
CAUTION / DO NOT OPERATE UNIT / WITH KEYBOARD CLOSED Embossed
OPEN / LOCK Embossed
LINE / HONE Embossed
HOOK-UP 2400S / [...] Sticker
Certified to comply with Class B / [...] Sticker
WARNING / For continued protection / [...] Sticker
Manufactured by: / COMPAQ Computer Corporation / Made in U.S.A. / S/N 1426022118 Model: COMPAQ / [...] Sticker
PAT / 4273409 Embossed
FAST POST / PAR AVION Sticker
CONNECT TO / GROUNDED OUTLET / [...] Embossed
10A / 250V / [...] Embossed
STEPDOWN / AUTO-TRANSFORMER / SD-38 LRG 200 VA / 50/60 HZ 230:115 V / GROUNDED LINE CORD / TODD SYSTEMS . YONKERS, N.Y.-U.S.A Printed
Media/Materials
Record level
Collection
Credit Line
COMPAQ Computer Corporation. 1983
1984. Portable Computer [Compaq], 2020.39.1. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
1984. Portable Computer [Compaq], 2020.39.1. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
On display?
On display
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