CS378W, History of Computing
Week 7, Topic Report Proposal
Due 2004 Oct 7
The History of Mobile Computing
Bryant Tang
2004 Oct 7
My proposed research topic for my topic report is the history of mobile computing, with the primary focus being on the period between 1980 and 1990. The report will go into detailed coverage of the first mobile computers, giving readers the chance to see what the predecessors of today's laptops were like.
I believe that the topic of portable computers is significant from a historical standpoint for they have gone from being mere novelties when they were first introduced into being an integral part of the world around us today. With notebook computer sales threatening to outstrip the sales of their desktop counterparts, we have seen the portable computer has grown of age in the past decade or so. The ability to communicate, conduct business and surf for information while on the go has been a crucial aspect of computing in the 21st century. Indeed, mobile computing has progressed at an exponential rate, with each generation of new devices becoming smaller and lighter, yet faster and more capable. As such, it it worth taking a look back to see where all this technology was first conceived and brought to life.
The scope of this topic, while seemingingly large at first glance, is actually concise enough to make it a viable report topic. The idea of a portable computer is relatively recent, with Alan Kay's Dynabook vision coming in 1973 (5). From there on out, most of the devices were prototypes that tested the feasibility of such a revolutionary idea. I have chosen to focus on the period between 1980 and 1990 as the first true computing devices made their appearances in this era, giving mobile computing the chance to be accepted by the general public.
Table of Contents
Part 1 - Mobile Computing: An introduction and overview
An introduction that will give the reader an idea of what mobile computing is all about.
Part 2 - The Dynabook: The concept that launched it all
This section will describe Alan Kay's Dynabook idea. It was not an actual physical device, but a concept that would lead to the development of future machines.
Part 3 - The Osborne 1: The first successful portable computer
This section talks about the Osborne 1 and its place in history as the first commercially successful product, despite the company's subsequent failure.
Part 4 - The IBM PC Convertible: Big Blue's move into the market
A brief look at IBM's first portable computing entry.
Part 5 - Looking back: How far we've come since 1973
A conclusion and summary of the whole report, bringing everything to a close.
Bibliography
1. Martin Campbell-Kelly and William Aspray, Computer: A History of the Information Machine (HarperCollins Publishers, 1997).
There is a section in this book that covers Alan Kay and his idea of a portable computer, the first time such an idea was brought up.
2. "History of Laptop Computers," http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/bllaptop.htm (About.com, accessed 2004 Oct 7).
This is a brief outline of the history of laptop computers.
3. "Osborne 1 Computer," http://oldcomputers.net/osborne.html (Obsolete Technology Website, accessed 2004 Oct 7).
The Osborne 1 is believed to be the first commercially available laptop computer.
4. David H. Ahl, "Osborne Computer Corporation," http://www.atarimagazines.com/creative/v10n3/24_Osborne_Comptuer_Corporat.php (Atarimagazines.com, accessed 2004 Oct 7).
A short article on the rise and fall of the Osborne Computer Corporation, creators of the Osborne 1.
5. "Portable Computers," http://www.worldhistory.com/portable-computers.htm (WorldHistory.com, accessed 2004 Oct 7).
This is a timeline of portable computers, on which I can select certain machines to explore in detail.
6. "IBM 5100 APL Reference Manual," http://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/5100/SA21-9213-0_IBM_5100aplRef.pdf (bitsavers.org, accessed 2004 Oct 7).
This document is a pdf copy of the manual to the IBM 5100, IBM's first portable computer.