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{{Infobox information appliance {{Infobox information appliance
| name = Compaq Portable II | name = Compaq Portable II
| aka = | aka =
| logo = <!-- include the ] tag--> | logo = <!-- include the ] tag-->
| image = CompaqPortableII.jpg | image = CompaqPortableII.jpg
| caption = A Compaq Portable II with an aftermarket 3.5" floppy drive replacing the 5.25" floppy drive and cover over the drive it came with.
| caption =
| developer = | developer =
| manufacturer = ], ] | manufacturer = ], ]
| family = | family =
| type = ] | type = ]
| generation = | generation =
| releasedate = {{Start date and age|1986|02|20}}<ref>{{cite news | first = Barbara | last = Longeway | title = Compaq makes Fortune 500, offers new line | date = 21 Feb 1986 | work = Houston Chronicle | pages = Business 1}}</ref> | releasedate = {{Start date and age|1986|02|20}}<ref>{{cite news | first = Barbara | last = Longeway | title = Compaq makes Fortune 500, offers new line | date = 21 Feb 1986 | work = Houston Chronicle | pages = Business 1}}</ref>
| lifespan = | lifespan =
| price = $3499<ref name="Inc.1986">{{cite book|last=Lombardi|first=John|title=InfoWorld|url=http://books.google.com/books?id=Qy8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA58|accessdate=6 November 2012|date=21 April 1986|publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc.|pages=58–59|issn=0199-6649}}</ref> | price = {{USD|3499|1986|round=-1}}<ref name="Inc.1986">{{cite book|last=Lombardi|first=John|title=InfoWorld|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qy8EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA58|accessdate=6 November 2012|date=21 April 1986|publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc.|pages=58–59|issn=0199-6649}}</ref>
| discontinued = | discontinued =
| unitssold = | unitssold =
| unitsshipped = | unitsshipped =
| media = | media =
| os = MS-DOS 3.1<ref name="Inc.1986"/> | os = MS-DOS 3.1<ref name="Inc.1986"/>
| power = | power =
| soc = <!-- system-on-chip --> | soc = <!-- system-on-chip -->
| cpu = ] @ 6 or 8MHz (dual-speed)<ref name="Inc.1986"/> | cpu = ] @ 6 or 8MHz (dual-speed)<ref name="Inc.1986"/>
| storage = 360kB 5.25" ], optional 10MB ] | storage = 360 KB 5.25" ]<br/>optional 10MB ]
| memory = 256kB-640kB<ref name="Inc.1986"/> | memory = 256 KB – 640 KB<ref name="Inc.1986"/>
| display = 9" ] | display = 9" ]
| graphics = 720×350 (text mode), 640×200 (graphics mode) | graphics = 720×350 (text mode), 640×200 (graphics mode)
| sound = ] | sound = ]
| input = Serial mouse, 84-key keyboard, ]<ref name="byte"/> | input = Serial mouse, 84-key keyboard, ]<ref name="byte"/>
| controllers = | controllers =
| camera = | camera =
| touchpad = | touchpad =
| connectivity = ], ], ], ] | connectivity = ], ], ], ]
| service = <!-- online service/s offered --> | service = <!-- online service/s offered -->
| dimensions = 7.5" × 13.9" × 17.7" (10cm × 35.3cm × 45cm)<ref name="serv"/> | dimensions = 7.5" × 13.9" × 17.7" (19.1cm × 35.3cm × 45cm)<ref name="serv"/>
| weight = 23.6 lbs (10.7 kg)<ref name="Inc.1986"/> | weight = 23.6 lbs (10.7 kg)<ref name="Inc.1986"/>
| topgame = | topgame =
| compatibility = | compatibility =
| predecessor = ] | predecessor = ]
| successor = ] | successor = ]
| related = | related =
| website = | website =
}} }}


The '''Compaq Portable II''' was the third product in the ] to be brought out by ]. Released in 1986 at a price of US$3499, the Portable II was much improved upon its predecessors. It included an 8&nbsp;MHz processor, and was lighter and smaller than the ]. There were four models of the Compaq Portable II. The basic Model 1 shipped one 5.25" floppy drive and 256kB of RAM.<ref name="byte">{{cite news | url=http://archive.org/details/byte-magazine-1986-10 | title=The Compaq Portable II | work=Byte Magazine | date=October 1986 | accessdate=November 29, 2012 | author=Miastkowski, Stan | pages=239–241}}</ref> The Model 2 added a second 5.25" floppy drive and sold for $3599.<ref name="byte"/> The Model 3 shipped with a 10MB ] in addition to one 5.25" floppy drive and 640kB of RAM for $4799 at launch.<ref name="Inc.1986"/><ref name="byte"/> The Model 4 would upgrade the Model 3 with a 20MB hard drive and sold for $4999.<ref name="byte"/> The Compaq Portable II was significantly lighter than its predecessors, the Model 1 weighed just 23.6 pounds compared to the 30.5 pounds the Compaq Portable 286 weighed.<ref name="byte"/> Compaq only shipped the system with a small demo disk, MS-DOS 3.1 had to be purchased separately.<ref name="byte"/> The '''Compaq Portable II''' is the fourth product in the ] to be brought out by ]. Released in 1986 at a price of US$3499, the Portable II much improved upon its predecessor, the Compaq 286, which had been Compaq's version of the ] in the original Compaq Portable chassis;<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Qy8EAAAAMBAJ&q=%22compaq%20portable%20286%22&pg=PA58|title=InfoWorld|last=Lombardi|first=John|date=1986-04-21|publisher=InfoWorld Media Group, Inc.|language=en}}</ref> Portable 286 came equipped with 6/8-MHz ] and a high-speed 20&nbsp;MB ], while the Portable II included an 8&nbsp;MHz processor, and was lighter and smaller than the previous ]. There were four models of the Compaq Portable II. The basic Model 1 shipped one 5.25" floppy drive and 256 KB of RAM.<ref name="byte">{{cite news | url=https://archive.org/details/byte-magazine-1986-10 | title=The Compaq Portable II | work=Byte Magazine | date=October 1986 | accessdate=November 29, 2012 | author=Miastkowski, Stan | pages=239–241}}</ref> The Model 2 added a second 5.25" floppy drive and sold for $3599.<ref name="byte"/> The Model 3 shipped with a 10&nbsp;MB ] in addition to one 5.25" floppy drive and 640 KB of RAM for $4799 at launch.<ref name="Inc.1986"/><ref name="byte"/> The Model 4 would upgrade the Model 3 with a 20&nbsp;MB hard drive and sold for $4999.<ref name="byte"/> There also may have been a 4.1 MB hard drive included at one point.<ref>{{Citation|last=CompaqVet|title="Portable 2 Compared to This Fish" - JOHN CLEESE Compaq Ad|date=2006-10-18|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlmzwZXa-Ww |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/RlmzwZXa-Ww |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2018-10-22}}{{cbignore}}</ref> The Compaq Portable II was significantly lighter than its predecessors, the Model 1 weighed just 23.6 pounds compared to the 30.5 pounds the Compaq Portable 286 weighed.<ref name="byte"/> Compaq only shipped the system with a small demo disk, ] 3.1 had to be purchased separately.<ref name="byte"/>


There are at least two reported cases of improperly serviced computers exploding when the non-rechargeable ] on the motherboard was connected to the power supply.<ref>{{cite news | last = Mercury News Wire Services | title = Exploding portables spur compaq to set up toll-free line | date = 21 Dec 1986 | work = San Jose Mercury News | pages = 2F}}</ref> There were no recorded injuries. The Compaq Portable II was succeeded by the ] in 1987. There are at least two reported cases of improperly serviced computers exploding when the non-rechargeable ] on the ] was connected to the power supply.<ref>{{cite news | last = Mercury News Wire Services | title = Exploding portables spur compaq to set up toll-free line | date = 21 Dec 1986 | work = San Jose Mercury News | pages = 2F}}</ref> There were no recorded injuries. The Compaq Portable II was succeeded by the ] in 1987.


==Hardware== ==Hardware==


The Compaq Portable II had room for additional after market upgrades. Compaq manufactured four memory expansion boards, 512kB and 2048kB ISA memory cards and 512kB and 1536kB memory boards that attached to the back of the motherboard.<ref name='serv'>{{cite book | last1 = Compaq Computer Corporation | authorlink1 = Compaq Computer Corporation | title = Compaq Portable II Personal Computer Maintenance and Service Guide | edition = 2 | year = 1990 | location = USA | accessdate = 2012-11-15}}</ref> With 640kB installed on the motherboard and both the ISA card and the expansion board, the computer could be upgraded with up to a maximum of 4.2MB of RAM.<ref name="Inc.1986"/><ref name="serv"/> The motherboard also had space for an optional ].<ref name="serv"/> There were two revisions of the motherboard, they were functionally identical although the earlier version was larger. The motherboard had four ] for expansion cards, two 8-bit and two 16-bit. However, the first 16-bit slot was already occupied by a CGA graphics card and one of the 8-bit slots was used by the ] drive controller board, leaving two available to add cards to. The Compaq Portable II had room for additional after-market upgrades. Compaq manufactured four memory expansion boards, 512 KB and 2048 KB ] memory cards and 512 KB and 1536 KB memory boards that attached to the back of the motherboard.<ref name='serv'>{{cite book | publisher = Compaq Computer Corporation | title = Compaq Portable II Personal Computer Maintenance and Service Guide | edition = 2 | year = 1990 | location = USA }}</ref> With 640 KB installed on the motherboard and both the ISA card and the expansion board, the computer could be upgraded with up to a maximum of 4.125&nbsp;MB of RAM.<ref name="Inc.1986"/><ref name="serv"/> The motherboard also had space for an optional ].<ref name="serv"/> There were two revisions of the motherboard, they were functionally identical although the earlier version was larger. The motherboard had four ] for expansion cards, two ] and two ]. However, the first 16-bit ISA slot was occupied by a Multi I/O board with serial, parallel, ] and Floppy interfaces, and the second 8-bit ISA slot was used by the ] ], leaving two available slots. The keyboard is hardwired in, but it uses standard ] signaling, so a ] or PS/2 socket can be retrofitted to allow use of common PS/2 keyboards (but not ] ones).


==References== ==References==
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==External links== ==External links==
* *

{{Compaq}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Compaq Portable Ii}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Compaq Portable Ii}}
] ]
] ]
]
]

Latest revision as of 15:46, 31 August 2024

Compaq Portable II
A Compaq Portable II with an aftermarket 3.5" floppy drive replacing the 5.25" floppy drive and cover over the drive it came with.
ManufacturerCompaq Computer Corporation, United States
TypePortable computer
Release dateFebruary 20, 1986; 38 years ago (1986-02-20)
Introductory priceUS$3,499 (equivalent to $9,730 in 2023)
Operating systemMS-DOS 3.1
CPUIntel 80286 @ 6 or 8MHz (dual-speed)
Memory256 KB – 640 KB
Storage360 KB 5.25" floppy drive
optional 10MB hard drive
Display9" Monochrome monitor
Graphics720×350 (text mode), 640×200 (graphics mode)
SoundPC speaker
InputSerial mouse, 84-key keyboard, light pen
ConnectivityCGA, composite, serial, parallel
Dimensions7.5" × 13.9" × 17.7" (19.1cm × 35.3cm × 45cm)
Mass23.6 lbs (10.7 kg)
PredecessorCompaq Portable 286
SuccessorCompaq Portable III

The Compaq Portable II is the fourth product in the Compaq Portable series to be brought out by Compaq Computer Corporation. Released in 1986 at a price of US$3499, the Portable II much improved upon its predecessor, the Compaq 286, which had been Compaq's version of the PC AT in the original Compaq Portable chassis; Portable 286 came equipped with 6/8-MHz Intel 286 and a high-speed 20 MB hard drive, while the Portable II included an 8 MHz processor, and was lighter and smaller than the previous Compaq Portables. There were four models of the Compaq Portable II. The basic Model 1 shipped one 5.25" floppy drive and 256 KB of RAM. The Model 2 added a second 5.25" floppy drive and sold for $3599. The Model 3 shipped with a 10 MB hard disk in addition to one 5.25" floppy drive and 640 KB of RAM for $4799 at launch. The Model 4 would upgrade the Model 3 with a 20 MB hard drive and sold for $4999. There also may have been a 4.1 MB hard drive included at one point. The Compaq Portable II was significantly lighter than its predecessors, the Model 1 weighed just 23.6 pounds compared to the 30.5 pounds the Compaq Portable 286 weighed. Compaq only shipped the system with a small demo disk, MS-DOS 3.1 had to be purchased separately.

There are at least two reported cases of improperly serviced computers exploding when the non-rechargeable lithium battery on the motherboard was connected to the power supply. There were no recorded injuries. The Compaq Portable II was succeeded by the Compaq Portable III in 1987.

Hardware

The Compaq Portable II had room for additional after-market upgrades. Compaq manufactured four memory expansion boards, 512 KB and 2048 KB ISA memory cards and 512 KB and 1536 KB memory boards that attached to the back of the motherboard. With 640 KB installed on the motherboard and both the ISA card and the expansion board, the computer could be upgraded with up to a maximum of 4.125 MB of RAM. The motherboard also had space for an optional 80287 math coprocessor. There were two revisions of the motherboard, they were functionally identical although the earlier version was larger. The motherboard had four ISA slots for expansion cards, two 8-bit and two 16-bit. However, the first 16-bit ISA slot was occupied by a Multi I/O board with serial, parallel, PATA and Floppy interfaces, and the second 8-bit ISA slot was used by the CGA graphics card, leaving two available slots. The keyboard is hardwired in, but it uses standard PS/2 signaling, so a DIN or PS/2 socket can be retrofitted to allow use of common PS/2 keyboards (but not USB ones).

References

  1. Longeway, Barbara (21 Feb 1986). "Compaq makes Fortune 500, offers new line". Houston Chronicle. pp. Business 1.
  2. ^ Lombardi, John (21 April 1986). InfoWorld. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. pp. 58–59. ISSN 0199-6649. Retrieved 6 November 2012.
  3. ^ Miastkowski, Stan (October 1986). "The Compaq Portable II". Byte Magazine. pp. 239–241. Retrieved November 29, 2012.
  4. ^ Compaq Portable II Personal Computer Maintenance and Service Guide (2 ed.). USA: Compaq Computer Corporation. 1990.
  5. Lombardi, John (1986-04-21). InfoWorld. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc.
  6. CompaqVet (2006-10-18), "Portable 2 Compared to This Fish" - JOHN CLEESE Compaq Ad, archived from the original on 2021-12-21, retrieved 2018-10-22
  7. Mercury News Wire Services (21 Dec 1986). "Exploding portables spur compaq to set up toll-free line". San Jose Mercury News. pp. 2F.

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