History of laptops.

A Brief History about the origin of Laptops.

Before laptop/notebook computers were technically feasible, similar ideas had been proposed, most notably Alan Kay's Dynabook concept, developed at Xerox PARC in the early 1970s. What was probably the first portable computer was the Xerox NoteTaker, again developed at Xerox PARC, in 1976. However, only 10 prototypes were built.

1. Osborne1:
 
The first mass-produced microprocessor-based portable computer was the Osborne 1 in 1981, which used the CP/M operating system. It was large and heavy compared to today's laptops, with a tiny 5" CRT monitor, it had a near-revolutionary impact on business, as professionals were able to take their computer and data with them for the first time.

More History of Laptop Firsts

• Also released in 1981, was the Epson HX-20, a battery powered portable computer, with a 20-character by 4 line LCD display and a built-in printer. 
• In January of 1982, Microsoft's Kazuhiko Nishi and Bill Gates begin discussions on designing a portable computer, based on using a new liquid crystal display or LCD screen. Kazuhiko Nishi later showed the prototype to Radio Shack who agree to manufacture the computer.
• In 1983, Radio Shack released the TRS-80 Model 100, a 4 lb. battery operated portable computer with a flat and more of a laptop design.
• In February 1984, IBM announced the IBM 5155 Portable Personal Computer.
• Three years later in 1986, Radio Shack released the improved and smaller TRS Model 200.
• In 1988, Compaq Computer introduces its first laptop PC with VGA graphics - the Compaq SLT/286.
• In 1989, NEC UltraLite was released, considered by some to be the first "notebook style" computer. It was a laptop size computer which weighed under 5 lbs. (second photo)
• In September 1989, Apple Computer released the first Macintosh Portable that later evolved into the Powerbook. 
• In 1989, Zenith Data Systems released the Zenith MinisPort, a 6-pound laptop computer. (more Zenith laptops)
• In October 1989, Compaq Computer released its first notebook PC, the Compaq LTE.
• In March 1991, Microsoft released the Microsoft BallPoint Mouse that used both mouse and trackball technology in a pointing device designed for laptop computers.
• In October 1991, Apple Computers released the Macintosh PowerBook 100, 140, and 170 - all notebook style laptops. (more on Powerbooks)
• In October 1992, IBM released its ThinkPad 700 laptop computer.
• In 1992, Intel and Microsoft release APM or the Advanced Power Management specification for laptop computers.
• In 1993, the first PDAs or Personal Digital Assistants are released. PDAs are pen-based hand-held computers.

 Source: Wikipedia and About.com