Hewlett-Packard 75D

HP's First - Updated

Resources
The HP 75C was HP's first portable computer. The 75D replaced it, adding a port for a Bar Code wand. Both models feature 3 ROM cartridge slots, a RAM expansion slot, and an HP-IL interface for connecting to disk drives and other peripherals.

It has a very readable one-line screen, and its keyboard is larger than most modern PDA's, almost large enough for touch typing. Below the keyboard, on the right side is a slot for magnetic cards, used to store programs and data. Cards were inserted and pulled through by hand. Each card holds 650 bytes.

The 75 series (no, I don't know what happened to the 75A and B) may actually be the world's first PDA. It has an appointment mode with alarms and can be used to edit and save text files.

It came with BASIC, and its filing system could handle files stored in RAM, in ROM, on magnetic cards, and on tape.

Both of mine came to me without power supplies; I am currently in the process of trading for another one with the power supply so I can get these up and running.

One of them came with a nifty little carrying case which features a section presumably for holding the bar code wand.



All text and images are copyright © 1998-2002 Roger Sinasohn
Unauthorized use or duplication is strictly prohibited.
Hewlett-Packard 75D
A very HP-ish computer

Hewlett-Packard 75D
Another view

Hewlett-Packard 75D
Detail of the rear ports

Hewlett-Packard 75D
Rom Cartridges and slots

Mfr: Hewlett-Packard
Location: Californai, USA
Model: 75D
Processor:
Speed:
Op. Sys: [proprietary]
Bits:
Internal:
Data:
RAM:
Min: 16K
Max:
ROM: 48K
Input: 65-Key Keyboard, Bar Code Wand
Display: 1-line
Storage:
Cassette:
Floppy Disk:
Hard Disk:
Ports:
Serial:
Parallel:
Keyboard:
Joystick:
Other: HP-IL, Bar Code Wand
Expansion: Magnetic Cards
Introduced: 1984
Discontinued: 1986
Cost: $1095
Physical:
Size: 10.1" x 4.9" x 1.5"
Weight: 1.6lbs
Power:
Voltage:
Connector:
Polarity:
Peripherals:
Notes:
The 75D is an updated version of the 75C and adds a bar code wand port. Includes three cartridge slots for ROM-based programs.

Uncle Roger's Classic Computers
Computers - Wanted - Add Info - Conduct - Awards - Resources