Firsts

From: Frank McConnell <fmc_at_reanimators.org>
Date: Sun Jan 11 23:59:58 1998

Allison wrote:
> < The 5100 was IBM's first "Personal Computer" (their words). It had
> <BASIC or APL or both!
>
> The HP system predated it but, I may have the number wrong. It was
> programmed in industrial BASIC.

Allison, I'm really having trouble figuring out what you're thinking of.

Even as far forward as 1975, the only HP systems I can think of that
ran BASIC were minis. The 2100 and 2114 would have been the smallest
of these, and both are boxes that really want to be in 19" racks but
can be made to sit on tabletops and can be carried (I am certain that
the 2100 has handles and think the 2114 does too). If carrying one
doesn't convince you that it wants to be in a 19" rack or at least
left sit I don't know what will.

The closest thing I can think of is the HP 85, which is a fairly small
and lightweight complete system, with keyboard, display, printer, and
cartridge tape in the box. It was also "portable" in that you could
get matching luggage for it. Next closest might be some of the 98xx
calculator/workstations, but I think those were either programmed like
calculators or in HPL, not BASIC. But all of this is late 1970s-1980
stuff.

Maybe I'm just having a brain lapse?

-Frank McConnell
Received on Sun Jan 11 1998 - 23:59:58 GMT