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