Compaq Concerto

The Compaq Concerto was a convertible pen computer with a detachable keyboard, active stylus and grayscale display. Its 486SL processor and PC-compatible software environment allowed it to serve as either a tablet or a conventional notebook.

The design anticipated later convertible PCs, although its price and the limits of early pen software kept the concept specialised.

Notable Features

• Detachable keyboard converts the unit between tablet and notebook use
• Active pen input with handwriting-oriented software
• Docking options for desktop use

Historical Significance

• The design anticipated later convertible PCs, although its price and the limits of early pen software kept the concept specialised.

Collector’s Notes

• The stylus, keyboard, battery, power supply and docking hardware are frequently separated from surviving machines.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Compaq Concerto
Manufacturer	Compaq
Launched	Sunday, August 1, 1993
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 80486SL
Units Sold
Form Factor	Convertible tablet/notebook
Power	Rechargeable battery or AC adapter
Networking	Optional modem or network adapter
Operating System	MS-DOS and Windows for Pen Computing
Expansion / I/O	Serial, parallel through accessories, PC Card and docking connector
Keyboard	Detachable keyboard and active stylus
Storage	Internal hard disk; external or docked floppy drive
Sound	PC speaker
Colours	16 grayscale shades
Graphics	VGA-compatible 640 x 480
Display	Built-in 9.5-inch grayscale LCD with pen digitiser
ROM	Compaq BIOS
RAM	4 MB standard; expandable
CPU Speed	25 MHz