| Description | |
| Manufacturer | Compaq Computer Corporation |
| Model | Compaq Portable |
| Date Announced | 1982 (first shipped in 1983) |
| Date Canceled | Unknown |
| Number Produced | Over 100,000 |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| Price | $3,000 plus for a typical configuration |
| Current Value | $25-$100 |
| Specifications | |
| Processor | Intel 8088 |
| Speed | 4.77 MHz |
| RAM | 128K-640K |
| ROM | Approximately 12K |
| Storage | 2 5.25" 360K floppy drives |
| Expansion | Three IBM PC compatible slots |
| Bus | ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) |
| Video | CGA 320x200x16 color or 640x200x2 color. Composite or RGB out. |
| I/O | Parallel and Serial |
| OS Options | MS-DOS or CP/M-86 |
| Notes | Compaq was one of the first successful IBM PC clones. Their success was largely based on a black-box cloning of the IBM PC BIOS (Basic Input Output System) that allowed them to be virtually 100% compatible with PC software and hardware. |
| Related Items in Collection | Full set of manuals and original Compaq MS-DOS. Compaq padded carrying case. Columbia VP and IBM PC |
| Related Items Wanted | Other Compaq models with software, manuals, etc. |
Compaq Computer Corporation was started in 1982 by three men and a place mat. These men, Rod Canion, Jim Harris and Bill Murto conceptualized a portable version of IBM's new PC (drawn out on the place mat) and formed the company around the idea.
The Compaq Portable followed the recent tradition of portable machines like the Osbornes and Kaypros of the day while shunning CP/M in favor of MS-DOS and PC compatibility. The idea was a hit and catapulted Compaq to the lead in the PC Clone market.
My Compaq is a fully functional, nearly pristine example of that first model line. It came complete with the full set of Compaq manuals, also in excellent shape.
(Submitted June 9, 2009 22:40:16 by Dan)
I'm looking for some technical input or schematics for my 1982 Vintage Compaq Portable. I'm the original owner. The System boots from the 10MB HD or original Dos System Disk but won't display or input keyboard data. I've tried subing a keyboard and another system board I boughjt on Ebay but have same problem. I'd like to find out how the logic for keyboard input looks and works so need some documentationh.
(Submitted May 25, 2009 10:38:38 by Fred Schoenbrun)
If anybody has a suitcase portable that you would like to sell please contact me at schnbrnd@aol.com
(Submitted April 18, 2009 09:25:33 by Alastair Green)
HI I WOULD BE VERY VERY INTRESTED IN BUYING ANY ONE PLEASE PHONE OR EMAIL ME THANKS ali_g12@hotmail.co.uk 07935079397
(Submitted January 15, 2009 03:29:57 by Marty DeBusman)
This was our first computer. IT was upgraded with the 8088 8mhz chip, math coprocessor, 640k ram, hercules cgi graphics card, second floppy drive, 10 MB hard drive. It was our main computer for 10 years when we finally got a 486.
(Submitted October 27, 2008 12:56:03 by jj)
I have an original Copaq Plus w/10 Meg Winchester also Compaq Eddie Baur Zip Case. Do you need one of these?
(Submitted October 23, 2008 22:27:33 by jordan)
i have compac with the 5 floppy drive that i would be willing to sell e mail for more info it is just like the one in picture
(Submitted July 6, 2008 17:26:51 by JohnR)
I have listed a working Compaq Plus model 101709 with a 10 meg hardrive, DOS disk and case on eBay (Item No. 180262150446) If you are interested.
(Submitted April 15, 2008 12:15:45 by Lisa)
I have a vintage Compaq portable computer from the '80's. Not sure of the model# as it just says Compaq as the model#. Also have vintage printer. Call me if you're interested. (415) 720-4189 Thanks!
(Submitted April 11, 2008 05:59:01 by rick)
I have a Compaq suitcase, model #101709. Call me (925) 846-6135, Pleasanton, CA.
(Submitted December 31, 2007 16:51:37 by bob baleno)
I have one of these that still seems to work. Can someone tell me where I can find a boot disk, and software. DOS would be nice
(Submitted December 15, 2007 00:34:44 by 7h3 l37c3)
I am looking for a couple Compacq 8088 lugables. 1 for my collection, the other for convertion. Email me if you are selling. I need them soon.
(Submitted November 20, 2007 08:11:29 by Martin)
I also have a Compaq Portable II with 20Mb and 640kb in very good condition, only backup battery is dead. In carry bag. Anyone interested? (in the Netherlands)
(Submitted November 11, 2007 09:09:25 by Tom Jacobs)
Very interested in buying a Compaq Portable 101709 in good (preferably excellent) condition. Please email me if anyone is interested in selling theirs.
(Submitted November 9, 2007 18:10:15 by S Johnson)
I used to have a Compaq 8088 in the early 90's. Got my girlfriends email from the bbs's on it. Nice machine, but it was a hernia maker to carry.
(Submitted September 25, 2007 05:32:05 by Ernest Pickard)
Hi, Use to work at (Elston Electrons) 1982, Building the electronics board that lite the monitors for these machines. In Geneva, New York. Elmer Stone was my boss and Owner, Was a neat machine for the times.
(Submitted August 22, 2007 09:21:47 by M)
I have a complete, working Compaq Portable286 with 20mb HD, 1.2mb & 1.44mb FDD, internal EGA [xtra CGA card], extra memory. Also have all original software, manuals, purchase receipt and even the original box. Needs a new CMOS battery (got tired of changing them whane it only sits in AC storage). Anybody interested?
(Submitted July 28, 2007 17:32:19 by Ken)
Datavue 25 - I got this box computer 25 years ago, does anyone know if there is an value, or should I toss it ?
(Submitted July 27, 2007 00:17:46 by Ian Bleys)
I have a complete Compaq Portable 386 with all the extras: Purchased in Hong Kong 1988, have original purchase Documents, Price paid was HK$91,198, also includes manuals, Genuine Carry case, Dos Disks, 2* expansion add-ons, including Tape backup unit and External Monitor adaptor. Oh...it still works, 120/240 volt adaptor, 100mb Hard Drive, 512k ram, 3.5 floppy drive and Compaq software. Have carried ir around the world 3-4 times during late 80's/early 90's. Viewed it as a collectable, very rare...after reading here I guess not....belongs in a display somewhere....any takers....contact me... oh..unit is in Australia, QLD Ph: 61 741 941 081
(Submitted May 24, 2007 12:26:25 by Mike)
Hi, I have an original that I bought in 83 (I think). Has full 640 ram and hercules graphics card, also has 10mb hard disk on isa card.
Looks like it is almost new - hardly a mark on it.
WAS working perfectly about 10 years ago (when last used) and has just been kept in the spare room until now. Plugged in yesterday and the psu starts up (fan whirrs ) but no other sign of life. Am not expert enough to fix but sure it is probably something simple (?). Will be putting on ebay in a couple of weeks - in the meantime if anyone is interested ? Is in London - UK. Cheers
(Submitted April 20, 2007 22:24:10 by Mark Ellis)
I just boughta Compaq 286 Portable (1983 Version). It might need a hard drive. I understand that it originally came with a 10 MB Rhodine HD. Does anyone out there know where I can obtain a working HD for this computer? I would really appreciate it, I can't wait to fire it up and start using it. Thanks, Mark E.
(Submitted April 12, 2007 14:02:50 by Sandy)
Memory Lane! This was my very first computer! I purchased it to start a bookkeeping business in rural Nova Scotia, Canada. Have Computer Will Travel. I travelled around Nova Scotia, doing computerized bookkeeping for Farmers, Riding Stables, small Stores, etc for several years. I remember paying almost $11,000 Cdn for the computer, printer, etc. Then a year later I paid $1,000 for a Hercules 10MB Hard Drive Card. I look back on that computer with fond memories. After selling it for $75 in 1989, I can still kick myself today for letting it go, but my wife at the time was on a spring cleaning kick, and wanted all my junk gone. Thanks for the memories.
(Submitted March 21, 2007 08:35:54 by Phyllis)
I have a Compaq Portable III in original gray soft case. Still works. Considerating selling to someone that won't use it for parts.
(Submitted March 12, 2007 13:52:00 by Tim Kolber)
I purchase on E-Bay a brand new monitor in the box. It hooked up with all quick releases and the motherboard or Hard drive is bad. Bad diagonisis. I only hooked it up for 15 minutes and my machine never fired up. If anyone is interested in a IN the Box monitor for this unit please let me know. treblok@comcast.net $40.00 to recoop my payout S/H via UPS so it's insured. Total about $55.00 depending on location.
(Submitted March 7, 2007 16:36:29 by Paul)
Small point, but the video specs are wrong for the original Compaq portable. They are: Internal 640x320 (CGA color mode)Monochrome text and graphics 720x320 (CGA mono mode) Monochrome text only External 640x320 16 colors
I wouldn't agree with the 'Notes' but never mind.
(Submitted January 18, 2007 16:59:44 by im_an_alien)
oh... the recent comments are at the top? I posted in the compaq portable III one because I thought this was too old and no one would see.
Anyway, I have a compaq portable :) anyone know where I might get a manual?
(Submitted January 13, 2007 18:23:05 by David)
Wow, this page is a walk down memory lane for me. I had one of these 40lb suitcase models. As time passed I swapped componants as I found them. Here is what was in it at the end. When I gave it up to the trash man. :-( Replaced one 5 1/4 360k floppy with a 20meg MFM HD. Tried an 10meg scsi on an 8bit card but it was really slow. Added a 1.5meg ramcard. Since it was 8bit it could only be addressed as paged ram.(used 250K for a ramdisk and 1.25meg as hd disk cache) Added a 386 adaptor card with 1meg ram onboard. (had to break off onboard ram chips and remove 8088cpu)(I searched a lot but could never find the daughter card so was limited to 1meg regular ram) Added a 486sxl-40 with its companion 487dlc-40. System was increadably fast...for what it was but no software could figure out how to install so I had to manually configure everything I loaded.
(Submitted November 23, 2006 11:17:26 by Francesco)
I have a working Compaq Portable II in Italy. If anyone is interested to buy it write me at chiccotv at liberoNOSPAM.it
(Submitted November 13, 2006 05:06:10 by Sherrie)
I have a Compaq Portable II Model IV (I believe). Has been in storage a long time. Battery may be dead, but before was working perfect. A floppy and 20 mb hard drive I believe. Manuals also.
(Submitted October 11, 2006 08:24:49 by Tim Kolber)
Does anyone know where I can get the monitor fixed on this. It's of semimetal value and I wanted to clean and restore this to it's old glory. Please forward any links or service people who can fix this. Have a great year!!!!
(Submitted August 29, 2006 08:57:54 by Dan)
I am looking for a luggable - please contact me
(Submitted August 15, 2006 08:33:53 by jean paul poirier)
Have a Portable III. Looking for a 40 or 100 MB hard drive. Any available ?
(Submitted August 12, 2006 07:31:32 by joe)
i have this only it also has a 10 meg hd still works and i play with it from time to time i type letters on it the funny thing is the basic word prosessor programs to me are easier to use and more computer effcient that the new stuff with the bells and whistles
(Submitted August 8, 2006 03:27:33 by Money)
so...does anyone have the schematics for this computer? I wonder how the DRAM are refreshed with DMA... thanks alot!
(Submitted May 17, 2006 13:24:13 by Kyle Kusek)
Where can i buy one of these
(Submitted May 1, 2006 04:04:30 by Liviu)
I have a Compaq Portable III in good condition. What can i doing with him?Is anyone interested?
(Submitted April 22, 2006 16:36:08 by Gordon)
Got one similar hovever it just says Model: Compaq and its sitting in good condition in my companies basement. Its a green screen monitor and although works needs I guess a boot disk... The power supply has been modified for use in the UK - according to the original purchaser (company director) by request to compaq itself. its got a very low serial number, ill have a look next time im in basement.
(Submitted March 23, 2006 12:44:03 by Grayson Lynn)
Browsing the Web I ran across that beautiful
little fragment of poetry that the P-II displayed
while booting up. Sure beats the MS logo.
Looks like we could have the makings here for a
Compaq Portable Old Boys Club, and might get a
few more of these antiques running for their 25th
anniversary.
My P-II was running fine when I last unplugged
it, but now the HD does not spin, and the
batteries are surely dead. It has a nice padded
carry case from American Tourister, but I have no
documentation or software for it.
Anybody?
(Submitted March 19, 2006 05:16:02 by Gunther)
I have a Compaq Portable 2 which has a faulty Hard Disk Miniscribe 8425. I am interested to keep this machine in working condition. Does any one know where I could by a functining Hard Disk, used or even new?
(Submitted March 14, 2006 07:23:49 by Greg)
FOR SALE: Compaq Portable III Model 2660
I aquired a spring manufacturing plant and they
left all of their computers. Email me with your
questions. - Greg
(Submitted December 30, 2005 11:04:48 by (a href=mailto:kerneloelNOSPAM@NOSPAMgmx.at)kernel(/a))
I have a Compaq Portable III that works. If anyone is interested to buying - contact me at kerneloel AT gmxNOSPAM.at (fixing the obvious)
(Submitted December 12, 2005 15:05:43 by Phil)
I have a Compaq Portbale I (1984) with two floppy drives in working order. Is this now a museum piece? Is anyone interested? Phil of London
(Submitted December 6, 2005 12:36:06 by Mike)
I have the Portable III, model 2660. Red/orange screen, 10mb, 286. Batteries are dead,including the bios settings. Probably have original books, maybe some software, and an expansion device that let me use a nic. Used the expansion to connect to the corporate network for a long time, but it was sometimes touch-n-go getting it connected properly (position sensitive).
(Submitted November 20, 2005 06:48:24 by Jim)
I have a Compaq Port. III bought new back in the 80s. I used a keystroke combination to switch from ext. monitor to int. monitor, but can't remember the keys. Does anyone know...?
(Submitted October 21, 2005 12:46:55 by Jarral Ryter)
I have a Compaq portable III with disks, manuals (computer and DOS, expansion unit AND carrying case. Email if you want a picture.
(Submitted October 8, 2005 14:33:22 by Howard)
I have a Compaq Portable III and need a setup disc. Does anyone have such a thing?
(Submitted September 25, 2005 14:53:02 by Tiffany)
I'm looking for a compaq same one as show above.. My dad needs one ASAP.. Please E-mail me if you have one and we can discuss price.. Thank you
(Submitted September 25, 2005 14:29:08 by COLDSTEEL)
Just got my hands on a Compaq Port. No power supply is in the case. I wonder if a modern, slightly moded P/S with the same ratings would boot this Sewing Machine? ANY thoughts or ideas would be greatly appriciated. Also no HDD but this is not a problem for me. Great WEB site!! THANKS-TONY
(Submitted August 18, 2005 08:46:54 by Tom Lee Mullins)
I have (just recently received) a Compaq (barely) Portable Computer PC-III clone (description at the eBay.com item page). Does anyone know where I can get a manual for it? Is there a way to install 3.5 inch diskette into it?
(Submitted July 12, 2005 08:53:45 by Earl)
I'm looking for a compaq portable I or II or III with working HD and FD.
(Submitted May 10, 2005 17:18:52 by (a href=mailto:)griffin(/a))
Also known as the luggable clone
(Submitted December 27, 2004 20:15:48 by Scott)
I have an original model: Compaq (the original portable built in 1982) if anyone is interested. In perfect condition with original case and yes, it works fine.
(Submitted October 19, 2004 06:52:55 by Todd Guidi)
I have a Commodore Executive 64. It was a portable with a 5 color screen and 1 1541 drive. The keyboard snapped to the front of the case to make it portable. It is in great working condition.
(Submitted October 18, 2004 21:27:54 by DaveS)
I have a Compaq 386 with plasma screen. After the Y2K scare I decided to fire it up so i could watch a PC crash & burn. Y2K was a big fraudLOL! The Compaq was several months off on its calender but worked fine.
(Submitted October 13, 2004 01:35:42 by Glenn)
I have a Compaq Portable II for sale if anyone is interested. We are based in Bristol, UK. Email me for more details.
(Submitted September 24, 2004 17:14:13 by jason)
I also have a compaq portable w/ 2 floppy drives and internal hard drive that I'd like to get rid of - it works great and i like it, i just don't have enough space for it ...
(Submitted September 7, 2004 14:34:05 by TroyB)
I'm really amazed that you don't have anything on the Amiga!
(Submitted July 29, 2004 10:40:59 by derek)
i have a compaq portable that works and a compaq portable II do now of any one intrested in buying them