HP-86

The HP-86 adapted Series 80 software to a desktop computer with external monitor, detached keyboard and greater memory and display capability. It supported larger storage systems and more demanding technical applications.

It extended the HP-85 environment into a conventional expandable workstation layout.

Notable Features

• An 80-column external display made business and programming work more practical.
• Bank-switched memory supported larger applications than the HP-85.

Historical Significance

• It extended the HP-85 environment into a conventional expandable workstation layout.

Collector’s Notes

• Original HP manuals, peripherals and software media are particularly useful because many interfaces and formats were proprietary.
• Memory, storage, displays and expansion hardware should be documented because configurations often changed during a system’s working life.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	HP-86
Manufacturer	Hewlett-Packard
Launched	Friday, January 1, 1982
Discontinued	Mid-1980s
Country	United States
CPU	HP custom Capricorn processor
Units Sold
Form Factor	Desktop system unit
Power	Internal mains supply
Networking	Optional modem and HP-IB
Operating System	Series 80 BASIC
Expansion / I/O	Expansion drawers, HP-IB, serial and display interfaces
Keyboard	Detached keyboard
Storage	External 5.25-inch floppy and hard-disk systems
Sound	Internal beeper
Colours	Monochrome
Graphics	Higher-resolution monochrome graphics than HP-85
Display	External monitor; 80-column text
ROM	Series 80 BASIC and operating firmware
RAM	64KB standard; bank-switched expansion available
CPU Speed	Approximately 625 kHz