IBM 5100 was the name of the first series of microcomputers, which IBM presented 1975. In addition both (for times at that time) compact system units, as well as a selection of practical periphery belonged. The 5100er was the predecessors IBM PC (type 5150), resembles each other technically however in no way. Despite the revolutionary concept, which was very practical, the series became a flop.

IBM SCAMP

The SCAMP (Special computer, APL Machine portable one) represented the prototype 5100 portable computers (see below). It consisted of a housing, which the then usual desk calculator resembled that. Was inserted small 5 " - a monitor, a complete keyboard with number field, as well as [drive assembly]. As processor a multi-chip solution particularly developed for this computer served named PALM. As software and/or operating system the programming languages were available APL, BASIC, or - by switches selectable - both, excluding.

IBM of 5100 portable computers

First model freely for sale was IBM portable computers (type 5100). It corresponded as far as possible the SCAMP (see above), possessed however a QIC tape mechanism for DC300-Kasetten with 204 KB to capacity. Depending upon equipment of main memory and programming language struck the 5100 with $9.000 to $20,000 too books.

IBM of 5110 portable computers Model 1

In the year 1978 the improved variant of the type 5110 Model 1 came on the market. Among other things the new external floppy disk drives became (see below) and at that time otherwise the character code EBCDIC common with IBM supports; the 5100 used still another own character code.

IBM of 5110 portable computers Model 2

The 5110 Model 2 corresponded to the Model 1, contained however no tape mechanism, and one did not have also the possibility of attaching one.

IBM 5120 (5110 Model 3)

With the 3 it acts 5110 Model around the individually not available system unit 5120, a package out of computer evenly specified and a suitable printer. Into the system unit were one larger monitor and two 8 " - floppy disk drives integrates. The keyboard was firmly attached before the equipment. With nearly 50 kg weight is the 5110 Model 3 the probably heaviest desk computer. From that 5110 Model 3 the system 23 was developed later, which possesses a very similar housing.

Periphery

Periphery could be attached to the system units over a combination of three cables, which represent the system bus. The devices could be cascaded. Example: System unit <- printer <- tape mechanism.

The mosaic printer [type] was both individually available and and a component of the package 5120 available. Remarks with 80 or 120 indications per second were available.

The floppy station [type] was a tower housing with two 8 " - floppy disk drives. It supported among other things IBM 3740-Format (which until today with various computer systems was maintained) and permitted a storing of up to 1,1 MT per disk. The made possible also data exchange with other computers of IBM and ensured together with - with the tape mechanism missing - the possibility of accessing fast and purposefully data for the fact that the 5100er-Rechner was suitable now also for the daily employment in the office with several jobs.

The tape mechanism [type] corresponds to that 5100 and/or 5110 Model of the 1, however in own housing.

The moreover one a IEEE-488-Interface ([type]) was available, which already made a broad pallet possible from accessories and above all various devices from the measuring technique for the use at devices of the 5100er-Serie, available for other computer systems. Together with the portability of the system units so a multiplicity of applications of fields was made possible.

Related links

• Technology IBM 5110, computer museum of the University of Stuttgart

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