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Osborne 1 Microcomputer

 Collection
Identifier: Artifact-004

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

Contact:
Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries (0434)
560 Drillfield Drive
Newman Library, Virginia Tech
Blacksburg Virginia 24061 US
540-231-6308