Ohio Scientific Challenger 1P, Apple II+, PET/CBM 3032, TRS 80 Model 1, Atari 400, Osborne 1a, System 80/Video Genie/PMC 80, IBM PC, ZX 81, TRS-80 Colour Computer 1, Vic 20, Epson HX 20, BBC B, ZX Spectrum, Kaypro II, Eaca Colour Genie, RX 8800, Apple IIe, Atari 800XL, Tandy Model 100, Commodore  64, Commodore 64C, Commodore  SX-64, Spectravideo 318, Mattel  Aquarius, Sinclair QL, IBM AT, Atari 130XE, Apple IIe Platinum, Amiga 500, Atari  1040ST, IBM PS/2 30-286, Compaq SLT/286, IBM PS/2 70, Mac SE/30, Mac  Classic II, Mac Powerbook 145B, Generic 386-DX 40

Osborne 1a

Released in 1980, the Osborne was one of the first computers designed for the busy executive on the go. It was also good for building biceps. This Z80-driven, CP/M "luggable" was one of the first complete microcomputer business packages. By this I mean a full head of 8-bit Z80 RAM (64k), a useable full-stroke keyboard, two disk drives and the full library of business software. You got everything you would probably ever need with one purchase.

One feature of interest is the screen. It's a tiny 5 inch 24 line x 52 characters. I wonder how many cases of user eye strain and migraines this caused? It's remarkably clear for such small characters though.

I remember seeing ads for this computer when it first came out. I really wanted one, primarily because it was portable. In these days of laptops (and Ipods) we take it for granted that computers can go with us but that was not the case back then. Mobility was a real novelty. It had that wow factor!

I got this ugly old beast in September 2007 off an auction site complete with original manual and software disks. It was the first vintage computer I bought after deciding to start a collection. It didn't bode well for my new hobby when five minutes after I turned it on there was a loud bang and smoke started to pour out the disk drives! I opened it up and found blown capacitors in the power supply, presumably from non-use after all these years. Luckily these were easily fixed. The troubles didn't end there though, as it then simply refused to boot. After some experimentation I found the cause. A faulty RAM chip. This was replaced with a spare chip (socketed) from one of my parts-only System 80s. Luckily the latter used exactly the same RAM.

Even after all that it was still cantankerous and would lock up on occasions after 30 minutes or so of continuous use! Also drive B started playing up. This problem was also found and fixed and now the machine works 100%.

Hopefully things come in threes and there won't be any more problems for a few years now.

The original software disks were fine except for one utility file on the CP/M boot disk. Thankfully it was the LEAST important one. I've since got a replacement disk so the original software set is now complete.

Although (or perhaps because) it looks positively Jurassic, I love this old computer. It's caused me work at times, but the Osborne 1a is one of the more treasured computers in my collection.

Want to know more about this micro? Google is your friend.

This page last edited 4th April, 2009

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Comments by Haloscan