Osborne 1 Microcomputer
Scope and Content
Osborne 1 microcomputer, c. 1982, with boot disk for CP/M operating system, WordStar word processing software, Boardroom Graphics (Ver. 3.0) analytical software, and additional 5.25" floppy disks.
The computer includes the loop side of velcro fasteners where a magnifying device was previously affixed and a 3-prong to 2-prong electrical grounding adapter. There is a silver date label affixed near the handle with August 9, 1982 circled.
A repair tag from ComputerLand dated February 23, 1983 is affixed to the handle with a corresponding stub affixed to the computer casing. The stated work to be done is "Double Density 80+ Upgrade" for a price of US$480.00.
Dates
- c. 1982
Conditions Governing Access
The collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Reproduction and Use
Permission to publish material found on the floppy disks must be obtained from the original software publishers or their agents. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) for more information.
Historical Note
The Osborne 1 portable microcomputer was first released in 1981. It was the first computer produced by the Osborne Computer Corporation and is generally regarded as the first commercially viable portable microcomputer.
Extent
1.3 Cubic Feet (1 item)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
Osborne 1 microcomputer, c. 1982, with boot disk for CP/M operating system, WordStar word processing software, Boardroom Graphics (Ver. 3.0) analytical software, and additional 5.25" floppy disks.
Technical Access
Researchers wishing to use the Osborne 1 should schedule an appointment in advance with the University Libraries' Data Transformation Studio. Contact information for the studio is available on their website: https://spaces.lib.vt.edu/dtstudio/.
Source of Acquisition
The collection was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 2018.
Rights Statement for Archival Description
The guide to the Osborne 1 Microcomputer by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your- work/public-domain/cc0/).
Processing Information
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Osborne 1 Microcomputer commenced in August 2018 and was completed in September 2018.
- Title
- Osborne 1 Microcomputer, c. 1982
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Anthony Wright de Hernandez, Archivist
- Date
- 2018 (CC0 1.0)
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech Repository
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308
specref@vt.edu