STM Personal Computer

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The STM PC is a neat, compact unit that opts for a flatter profile than the suitcase-style portables (like the Osborne, Kaypro, and Compaq) without the lack of features that a true laptop format often required.

It managed to pack two 5.25" floppy drives, printer, modem, screen, keyboard, and a complete complement of ports into a unit less than two square feet in size, and only four inches thick. Features like a built-in hands-free phone and a SCSI port make this truly a complete mobile office.

Fully compatible with the IBM PC (the manual specifically mentions being able to run Microsoft's Flight Simulator and Lotus 1-2-3), I'm amazed this machine didn't see more success.

This machine was made by Semi-Tech Microelectronics, who now owns the Singer Corporation -- yes, the same one who makes sewing machines -- as well as Sansui and Akai. Prior to expanding into sewing machines, STM was probably best known for their earlier computer, the Pied Piper.


All text and images are copyright © 1998-2002 Roger Sinasohn
Unauthorized use or duplication is strictly prohibited.
A view of the system closed for storage or travel.
The STM PC - a complete, yet compact package

The STM logo with the words 'Personal Computer' to the right.
The STM Personal Computer logo

A picture of the screen and keyboard.  The keyboard lifts off to reveal the LCD screen beneath.
The screen and keyboard revealed

The STM PC has two 5.25 inch disk drives, accessed from the front of the computer.
The dual disk drives, located to the right of the screen

A view of the front edge of the computer, showing the drives on the right, and the RJ-11 style connector for the keyboard on the front edge below the monitor.
Another view of the drives -- note the keyboard connector below the screen

The removable cover over the screen not only protects the display, but also holds the keyboard tucked inside.
The keyboard detaches from the rest of the system, and can be removed from the screen cover.

The 'I/O Expansion Port', SCSI port, and parallel printer port on the back side of the computer.
The first batch of I/O ports. Could this be the first MS-DOS portable to feature a built-in SCSI port?

Looking at the back of the computer, there is (from left to right) the secondary serial port, a DIN port for an acoustic(?) coupler, and an RJ-11 connector for a modem.  Below those are (from left to right) the DE-9 color RGB video port, primary RS-232C port, an RCA jack for composite video, and the reset button.
The second batch of I/O ports, with dual serial ports and both RGB and Composite video connectors. Note the opening to feed printer paper to the built-in printer just above.

The first grouping of ports is on the left of the computer (looking at the back), with the second in the middle, and the power connection and switch on the far right side.
The entire rear of the computer, showing all the ports, as well as the power switch and line cord connector on the right.

Mfr: Semi-Tech Microelectronics
Location: Ontario, Canada
Model: STM PC
Processor: 80186
Speed: 8mhz
Op. Sys: MS-DOS version 2.11
Bits:
Internal: 16
Data: 16
RAM:
Min: 256K
Max: 512K
ROM:
Input: 83-key Keyboard
Display: Mono LCD 80x25 char
Storage:
Cassette:
Floppy Disk: one or two internal 5.25" disk drives
Hard Disk:
Ports:
Serial: 2 DB-25 RS-232C ports
Parallel: Internal Thermal Printer, plus standard Centronics port
Keyboard: Proprietary RJ-11
Joystick:
Other: I/O Expansion, SCSI, RJ-11 Phone Line, Acoustic Coupler, RGB Color Video, B/W Composite Video
Expansion: "IBM PC I/O external bus expansion connector"
Introduced: ca. 1984
Discontinued:
Cost:
Physical:
Size: 20.3 x 10.8 x 4 inches ( 515 x 275 x 100 mm)
Weight: 18lbs (8.1kg)
Power:
Voltage: 110vac
Connector: Standard Line Cord
Polarity:
Peripherals:
Notes:
Perhaps the first MS-DOS portable with a standard SCSI port?

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