|
The Computer Systems Division of Toshiba Europe GmbH announced the 20 anniversary of the world’s first mass-market laptop computer – the Toshiba T1100, a landmark precursor to today’s mobile digital devices. At its launch, the T1100 featured a 4.77 MHz Intel 80C88 processor, MS-DOS 2.11 operating system, one 720-kilobyte 3.5-inch floppy disk drive (the first in a mass-marketed PC) for storage, and 512-kilobyte random access memory.
The system was 31 cm wide, 6.6 cm high and 30 cm deep with a weight of 4 kg. A triumph of miniaturization technology for its time, the T1100 was notable for its clear, legible black-and-white 9.1- by 4.7-inch display with a resolution of 640x200 pixels, and optional 14.4kbps modem connectivity. Featuring a Microsoft MS-DOS operating system, the system’s compatibility with third-party IBM PC software was considered mandatory for business acceptance. The unit cost more than €4,000 in 1985.
Since its launch of the T1100, Toshiba has recorded worldwide cumulative sales of more than 37-million notebook computers through 2004, according to industry analysts IDC.
“Toshiba’s T1100 was the first successfully marketed battery-powered mobile computing device that opened the door to today’s notebooks, sub-notebooks and Tablet PCs,” said Oscar Koenders, general manager, EMEA Marketing, Computer Systems Division, Toshiba Europe GmbH.
“For 20 years, Toshiba’s single-minded focus on mobility and quality has been the main force behind the creation of today’s world of mobile computing,” Koenders said. “An unrivalled heritage and an ongoing commitment to developing state-of-the-art mobile technology make Toshiba the undisputed market leader, continuing to drive forward the vision for the ubiquitous networked society.”
“In 1985, Intel was proud that our 80C88 microprocessor was selected by Toshiba to be
inside the T1100 – the industry’s first widely accepted portable computer,” said Paul S. Otellini, president and chief operating officer, Intel Corporation. “The Toshiba-Intel relationship has grown tremendously since that historic notebook and we are proud that Toshiba continues to integrate Intel platforms into today’s Portégé®, Tecra®, Satellite® and Qosmio® lines. On behalf of Intel, I would like to congratulate Toshiba on 20 years of innovation in mobile computing.”
|
