Compaq LTE

The original Compaq LTE was a compact battery-powered notebook with an 8086-compatible processor, monochrome LCD and internal floppy or hard-disk storage. It was designed to fit within an airline briefcase rather than resemble a shrunken desktop.

Alongside the LTE 286, it helped define the practical notebook form factor that replaced larger luggables and early heavyweight laptops.

Notable Features

• Compact notebook-sized enclosure
• Battery operation with internal storage
• Optional desktop expansion base

Historical Significance

• Alongside the LTE 286, it helped define the practical notebook form factor that replaced larger luggables and early heavyweight laptops.

Collector’s Notes

• LCD hinges, proprietary batteries and Conner hard disks are frequent preservation issues.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Compaq LTE
Manufacturer	Compaq
Launched	Sunday, October 1, 1989
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 8086
Units Sold
Form Factor	Notebook
Power	Rechargeable battery or AC adapter
Networking	Via modem or expansion base
Operating System	Compaq MS-DOS
Expansion / I/O	Serial, parallel, external display and expansion-base connector
Keyboard	Integrated notebook keyboard
Storage	1.44 MB 3.5-inch floppy or 20 MB hard disk depending on model
Sound	PC speaker
Colours	Monochrome
Graphics	CGA-compatible 640 x 200 graphics
Display	Built-in monochrome LCD
ROM	Compaq BIOS
RAM	640 KB
CPU Speed	9.54 MHz