CHEAP LAPTOPS & NOTEBOOKS

History of the Laptop Computer

Designed in 1979 by a Briton, William Moggridge, for Grid Systems Corporation, the Grid Compass was one fifth the weight of any model equivalent in performance and was used by NASA on the space shuttle program in the early 1980's. A 340K byte bubble memory lap-top computer with die-cast magnesium case and folding electroluminescent graphics display screen.

Gavilan Computer As The First Laptop?

Manny Fernandez had the idea for a well-designed laptop for executives who were starting to use computers. Fernandez, who started Gavilan Computer, promoted his machines as the first "laptop" computers in May 1983. Many historians consider the Gavilan as the first fully functional laptop computer.

The First Laptop Computer - Osborne 1

The computer considered by most historians to be the first true portable computer was the Osborne 1. Adam Osborne, an ex-book publisher founded Osborne Computer and produced the Osborne 1 in 1981, a portable computer that weighed 24 pounds and cost $1795. The Osborne 1 came with a five-inch screen, modem port, two 5 1/4 floppy drives, a large collection of bundled software programs, and a battery pack. The short-lived computer company was never successful.

More History of Laptop Firsts

• Also released in 1981, was the Epson HX-20, a battery powered portable computer, with a 20-character by 4 line LCD display and a built-in printer. 
• In January of 1982, Microsoft's Kazuhiko Nishi and Bill Gates begin discussions on designing a portable computer, based on using a new liquid crystal display or LCD screen. Kazuhiko Nishi later showed the prototype to Radio Shack who agree to manufacture the computer.
• In 1983, Radio Shack released the TRS-80 Model 100, a 4 lb. battery operated portable computer with a flat and more of a laptop design. 
• In February 1984, IBM announced the IBM 5155 Portable Personal Computer.
• Three years later in 1986, Radio Shack released the improved and smaller TRS Model 200. 
• In 1988, Compaq Computer introduces its first laptop PC with VGA graphics - the Compaq SLT/286. 
• In 1989, NEC UltraLite was released, considered by some to be the first "notebook style" computer. It was a laptop size computer which weighed under 5 lbs.)
• In September 1989, Apple Computer released the first Macintosh Portable that later evolved into the Powerbook.
• In 1989, Zenith Data Systems released the Zenith MinisPort, a 6-pound laptop computer.
• In October 1989, Compaq Computer released its first notebook PC, the Compaq LTE.
• In March 1991, Microsoft released the Microsoft BallPoint Mouse that used both mouse and trackball technology in a pointing device designed for laptop computers.
• In October 1991, Apple Computers released the Macintosh PowerBook 100, 140, and 170 - all notebook style laptops.
• In October 1992, IBM released its ThinkPad 700 laptop computer.
• In 1992, Intel and Microsoft release APM or the Advanced Power Management specification for laptop computers.
• In 1993, the first PDAs or Personal Digital Assistants are released. PDAs are pen-based hand-held computers. 

(source http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bllaptop.htm)

Dell Online - http://www.dell.com.au

From the web site:

The major advantage of choosing a notebook is mobility. Dell's slimmest and lightest notebooks offer freedom without compromising performance.

Turn your notebook into a portable multimedia centre. Advanced performance means more power for video, music and gaming.

"At Dell, our approach to innovation focuses on customer requirements. Customers define what is important. Dell innovates internally and through collaboration with others in the industry. Many of Dell's innovations are shared through standards, rather than locking customers into proprietary solutions. Customers gain flexibility and real value. This approach is direct, customer-driven innovation." — Kevin Kettler, Chief Technology Officer.

Bargainseeker - http://www.bargainseeker.com.au

From the web site

BargainSeeker.com.au has a vast product range. We offer computers, notebooks, palmtops, printers, software, monitors and all kinds of hardware for homes, small business and large corporates.

We sell the brands you know and trust...

• IBM
• SONY
• HP/Compaq
• Toshiba

We are leading the way in refurbished computers. With computer hardware performance accelerating at such a rapid pace, yesterday's computers are valuable resources today. They are often a cost effective alternative to buying a new computer. Our customers give us the following reasons for purchasing a refurbished computer:

• Great second computer for the kids
• A budget friendly way to "get online"
• Good for keeping overheads low for a small business
• Schools and universities see it as a great way to increase the ratio of computers to students

Reduce waste. Computers contain plastics and metals that don't biodegrade and are hazardous to the environment. By reusing computers we're also doing our environment a favour.

Laptop.Com.Au - http://www.laptop.com.au

From the website:

Recorded as the busiest laptop site in Australia!

We have both new and ex-corp quality laptops available.

Please feel welcome to explore our wide range at our Melbourne factory outlet - 2/102 Dover St, Richmond.

We're open Mon-Fri 9:30-5:30, and Sat 10-3.

Insured delivery is available Australia-wide.

Acer Notebooks - http://www.acer.com.au

From the web site:

Build you own computer with Acer

Welcome to the Acer Build Your Own (BYO) website. BYO is a web tool where customers can work with their local Acer dealer in configuring a product to suit the individual's needs. This easy-to-use online configurator and quotation manager is the easiest and most comprehensive of its kind.

Lenovo - http://www.lenovo.com

From the web site:

Lenovo is an innovative, international technology company formed as a result of the acquisition by the Lenovo Group of the IBM Personal Computing Division (including IBM Thinkpad notebooks).

As a global leader in the PC market, we develop, manufacture and market cutting-edge, reliable, high-quality PC products and value-added professional services that provide customers around the world with smarter ways to be productive and competitive.

We base our success on our customers achieving their goals: productivity in business and enhancement of personal life.