The 5100 was based on IBM's innovative concept that, using an emulator written in microcode, a small and relatively cheap computer could run programs already written for much larger, and much more expensive, existing computers, without the time and expense of …

Oct 3, 2011 · In 1975, IBM released the first mass-produced portable computer, the 5100. It was an incredible feat for the time: An integrated 5-inch CRT monitor, up to 64 kilobytes of random-access memory (RAM), and the ability to run programs meant for larger, more expensive computers, all in something the size of a briefcase.

The Model 5100 is IBM's first minicomputer, i.e. not a mainframe, and is also considered one of the world's first portable computers. It is preceded only by the Hewlett-Packard HP-9830A from 1973. Although at 55-pounds, the 5100 might best be described as …

Nov 22, 2022 · The IBM 5100 combines two legacy “line printer” systems into a more compact “CRT-based” system, with a compact digital data-storage tape unit. The IBM 5100 “Executive ROS” is written in... Some topic highlights: Some remaining goals: I was able to get ahold of Hal Prewitt of Core, who shared some of the early 1980s CORE newsletters.

Jan 4, 2012 · The IBM 5100 was marketed as the world’s premiere portable computer. It weighed a little over 50 lbs, and unlike many microcomputers at the time, it came fully assembled with integrated features like a keyboard and CRT display, as well as system software.

Apr 23, 2018 · The 5100 was one of the first portable computers: it had the central unit, keyboard, monitor and mass storage in a single small case (small for its time, of course). I won’t go into the technical details of the machine as there’s plenty of information about the IBM 5100 on the net.

Apr 17, 2003 · See below for specifications and information on this system. This was IBM's first personal computer, and very nearly the first personal computer on the market. The MITS Altair had shipped a few months earlier. The 5100 was also the first personal computer I ever saw.

Introduced in 1975, the 5100 was IBM's first production personal computer (six years before the PC!). The 5100 has an integral CRT display, keyboard, and tape drive. It was available with APL, BASIC, or both, and with 16, 32, 48, or 64 Kbytes of RAM.

More 'luggable' than portable, it weighs 50 pounds and costs from $9,000 to $20,000." Other specs: 5-inch 16×64 monochrome monitor, 16K-64K main memory, 204K quarter-inch tape cartridge; available operating systems: APL, BASIC, or both (selectable by toggle switch on front panel). Nicknamed SCAMP (Special Computer, APL Machine Portable).

IBM 5100. The IBM 5100 is considered to be the first commercial portable computer, and is nearly the first personal computer, having been beaten to market by the Mits Altair by only a few months. Even so, it would never have been considered a "home computer" due to it's high price of $10,000-$20,000 USD depending on configuration.