Compaq Portable

The Compaq Portable, released in 1983, was a game-changer in the personal computer industry. As the first truly IBM PC compatible portable computer, it allowed users to carry their work and data with them, marking a significant shift in how people interacted with technology. Its bulky, suitcase-like design was iconic, and the integrated monitor and keyboard made it instantly recognizable. The Compaq Portable was instrumental in establishing the IBM PC standard and legitimizing the clone market, ultimately contributing to the widespread adoption of personal computers in businesses and homes. People fondly remember it for its ruggedness, its ability to run popular software like Lotus 1-2-3 and WordStar, and its role in liberating computing from the desktop.