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Pioneering the Laptop - The GRiD Compass

ComputerHistory ComputerHistory·206 videos
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Uploaded on Dec 7, 2007

[Recorded Mar 15, 2006]
Introduced in 1982, the GRiD Compass 1100 was likely the first commercial computer created in a laptop format and one of the first truly portable machines. With its rugged magnesium clamshell case (the screen folds flat over the keyboard), switching power supply, electro-luminescent display, non-volatile bubble memory, and built-in modem, the hardware design incorporated many features that we take for granted today. Software innovations included a graphical operating system, an integrated productivity suite including word processor, spreadsheet, graphics and e-mail. GRiD Systems Corporation, founded in 1979 by John Ellenby and his co-founders Glenn Edens and David Paulsen, pioneered many portable devices including the laptop, pen-based and tablet PC form factors.

Key members of the original GRiD engineering team -- Glenn Edens, Carol Hankins, Craig Mathias and Dave Paulsen -- share engineering stories from the Wild West of the laptop computer. Moderated by New York Times journalist John Markoff.

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All Comments (10)

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  • Dylan Mattina

    Wow!!!

    There is a GRiD Compass II - 1129 for sale on eBay!

    Item # 181094071378

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  • hyretech

    Yes.  Is it working?

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    in reply to 1timby (Show the comment)
  • superspit

    Beautiful Forum that was.....got shivers. Thankyou.

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  • iamsventhedane

    9 and 1/2 pounds

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    in reply to bobscoodles (Show the comment)
  • 1timby

    I found one while cleaning up. Are they worth anything?

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  • AzaelHDaemon

    The GRiD Compass was the first computer that literally turned me on. Up until that point, it was just Mary Ann...

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  • nihil391

    4.3 kilograms

    ·

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  • bobscoodles

    how much does it weigh?

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