ScuzzBlog: Diaries May 2018
Entry 2nd May 2018: Post: 1
Osborne 1 - And seriously, not a sewing machine
I have two of these luggables. No idea how you would have gotten
about carrying one of these. Not just heavy but sits at an angle
when vertical. I do recall getting the computer working when I
first had it, though I haven't tested the other. The screen did
have the logo square on the screen when booted but the screen
just rolls and there is no control to stabilise it. The computer
beeped when started but there was the usual power capacitor
crackling that you get on old machines like these. It really
isn't sensible having these old computers active any more without
replacing the capacitors, particularly to the power unit... well
unless you like the small of burning.
The unit wasn't all that successful I believe and when the time
came was very quickly removed from the market. I have to say I
am not a big fan of luggables. Also I dislike the small screens.
Maybe a good idea at the time but for the cost and trouble of
trying to move the thing I just wouldn't have bothered.
Anyway.. The Osborne 1. They did make another called the Executive
I believe, though not sure.
Osborne 1 by the Osborne Computer Corporation Hayward California
Made in 1981 in the USA
Has a full stroke keyboard and num pad
The processor is a Zilog Z80A running at 4MHz
Has 64 KB of RAM and a 4KB ROM
Colour is green on black and there is a beeper
The OS is CP/M
Interesting that of all the keys the forward slash was filthy black
which obviously meant the most used.
Osborne-1
My second Osborne 1 is in much better condition
complete with all the pocket covers.
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