Compaq Portable 286

The Compaq Portable 286 placed an Intel 80286-based IBM AT-compatible computer in the company’s familiar luggable enclosure. It combined a built-in CRT with floppy and hard-disk storage for users who needed AT-class software away from a fixed desk.

It was among the earliest portable systems compatible with the IBM PC/AT and reinforced Compaq’s reputation for introducing faster compatible machines quickly.

Notable Features

• 80286 processor in a self-contained luggable
• Built-in monochrome CRT
• AT-compatible expansion and mass storage

Historical Significance

• It was among the earliest portable systems compatible with the IBM PC/AT and reinforced Compaq’s reputation for introducing faster compatible machines quickly.

Collector’s Notes

• The weight and fragile CRT make shipping difficult; original hard disks and power supplies often need specialist service.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Compaq Portable 286
Manufacturer	Compaq
Launched	Friday, February 1, 1985
Launch Price	$5,999
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 80286
Units Sold
Form Factor	Luggable all-in-one
Power	Mains AC
Networking	Via expansion card
Operating System	Compaq MS-DOS
Expansion / I/O	AT-compatible ISA expansion; serial and parallel
Keyboard	Detachable 84-key keyboard
Storage	1.2 MB 5.25-inch floppy and 20 MB hard disk
Sound	PC speaker
Colours	Monochrome
Graphics	Text and Hercules-compatible monochrome graphics
Display	Built-in 9-inch amber monochrome CRT
ROM	Compaq AT-compatible BIOS
RAM	256 KB standard; expandable
CPU Speed	6 or 8 MHz depending on revision