GRiD Compass 1101

The first Clamshell Laptop

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The GRiD Compass was one of the first true clamshell laptops. It also sports some unique features such as the magnesium alloy casing and its use of Bubble memory. Its screen, though small by today's standards, is very readable due to its use of plasma technology.

It sports a GPIB (IEEE-488) interface for connecting to peripherals, along with the more common interfaces. An external disk drive unit was available; I would certainly like to find one.

Mine came to me with some problems which I have as yet been unable to resolve. When turned on, the screen displays garbage, often a checkerboard pattern, but not always. Any suggestions as to possible remedies would be most welcome!


All text and images are copyright © 1998-2002 Roger Sinasohn
Unauthorized use or duplication is strictly prohibited.
A rather fuzzy picture of the unit, closed for travel.
The GRiD Compass

The screen and keyboard.
Front and Center

Detail of the rear of the computer with the ports.
The rear ports

Mfr: GRiD Systems
Location:
Model: 1101
Processor: i80C86, i8087
Speed:
Op. Sys: GRiD-DOS, MS-DOS 2.11
Bits:
Internal: 16
Data: 16
RAM:
Min: 128K
Max: 512K
ROM:
Input:
Display: 80x25 EL
Storage:
Cassette:
Floppy Disk: External, Optional
Hard Disk:
Ports:
Serial: 16pin D connector
Parallel:
Keyboard:
Joystick:
Other: GPIB (IEEE-488), Modem
Expansion:
Introduced: 1982
Discontinued:
Cost:
Physical:
Size:
Weight:
Power:
Voltage: 110VAC or 220VAC
Connector: Std. IEC
Polarity:
Peripherals:
Notes:

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