An early laptop? In the 1980’s Amstrad like them or loathe them had a reputation for producing the latest electronic trends at affordable prices.
By 1987 Amstrad had ventured from TV’s and consumer electronics into the booming home computer market.
The PPC (portable personal computer) models offered computing on the go.
Summary
Launched in 1987, Amstrad’s PPC512 and PPC640 were the company’s first portable IBM PC compatible computers. What’s more prices started at £399 plus VAT (15% at the time).
They were a development of the company’s previous desktop PC -1512 and PC1640 models.
As portable computers, they had all the elements necessary to perform computing on the move.
An integrated keyboard and a monochrome LCD monitor built in and also space for disposable batteries to power the PC where there was no suitable alternative power source.
The units came with mains and 12 volt car adapters so you had a full range of power options.
There was also either one or two double density double side Floppy disc drives and the PPC640 model also featured a built in modem (this was the age before the internet).
Where Did they Go?
In 1988 the machines were succeeded by the Amstrad PC20 and Sinclair PC200 based around the PPC models which were phased out.
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