Compaq SLT
Line of laptop computers made in the 1980s and 1990s
 Compaq SLT/286 laptop computer | |
| Manufacturer | Compaq |
|---|---|
| Release date | October 17, 1988; 35 years ago (October 17, 1988) |
| Introductory price | $5,399 (about $10,992 adjusted)[1] |
| CPU | 12MHz 80C286 |
| Successor | LTE |
The SLT is a family of laptops released by Compaq Computer Corporation. The SLT was the first laptop ever released by Compaq, then primairly known as a maker of luggable and desktop computers.[2] The SLT series was the successor to the Portable III and the predecessor to the more well-known LTE.
Two models were produced in the SLT series. The first model, named SLT/286, released on October 17, 1988,[3] is considered to be one of the most notable units in laptop history due to its battery life and superior performance compared to competing models. It is also notable for being Compaq’s first laptop computer. The SLT/286 had a 12 MHz Harris or Intel 80C286 processor (both brands were used throughout the SLT/286’s production) and a grayscale (up to 8 shades) backlit VGA LCD screen, the very first laptop with this feature. The price started at $5,399 for the base-model.[4][2][5][6]
The second model, the SLT 386s/20, was released in 1990,[7] and featured a 386SX 20 MHz CPU, versus the 286 12 MHz CPU of the SLT/286. It also came with 2 MB of RAM standard (expandable to 14 MB), compared to the 640 KB (expandable to 12.6 MB) the SLT/286 came with, and a 60 or 120 MB hard disk drive, rather than the 20 or 40 MB options the SLT/286 offered.
Docking station
The SLT line was marketed as a desktop replacement and had a matching docking station, which allowed two standard ISA boards to be used with the SLT.
The docking station retailed for $999.[2]
Models
| Model | Release Date | Processor | Clock Speed | Spec / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLT/286[2] | October 17, 1988 | 286 | 12 MHz | - |
| SLT 386s/20 | June 18, 1990 | 386SX | 20 MHz |
Battery life
Compaq's main marketing message for the SLT range was its battery life, up to 3-hours minimum.[2] Compaq mentioned this feature in almost all of the SLT literature. Moreover, Compaq released an external battery charger to enable the business user to charge up multiple batteries.[2]
Clones
Victor Technologies offered a clone of the SLT/386 model, model Grid 386PX (BV30E01A). Whilst the Grid 386PX looks slightly different, it was unclear whether the Grid 386PX was a true clone or an alternative OEM product.
Acer also offered a clone, known as the AnyWare 1100LX.[8]
References
- ^ "The Golden Age of Compaq Computers". PCMAG. Retrieved 2021-03-08.
- ^ a b c d e f Lewis, Peter H. (1988-10-23). "THE EXECUTIVE COMPUTER; Compaq Finally Makes a Laptop". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2021-07-30.
- ^ "COMPAQ UNVEILS LAPTOP | JOC.com". www.joc.com. Retrieved 2021-08-20.
- ^ Compaq Portable SLT/286
- ^ InfoWorld. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. 1988-11-14.
- ^ PC Mag 1991 - Compaq SLT/386s/20 Model Released. Ziff Davis, Inc. 1991-03-12.
- ^ InfoWorld. InfoWorld Media Group, Inc. 1990-06-18.
- ^ PC Mag - Acer AnyWare 1100LX. Ziff Davis, Inc. 1991-03-12.
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- Acquired by Hewlett-Packard in 2002; existing product lines and intellectual property split between HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise in 2015
aspects
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