Explore fascinating moments in technology history, focusing on inventors, key inventions, and pivotal devices that changed the world. Perfect for curious minds seeking interesting tech facts.
Which inventor is credited with creating the first true laptop computer?
Explanation: Adam Osborne introduced the Osborne 1 in 1981, which is widely recognized as the first commercially successful portable computer. Steve Jobs popularized personal computing but did not create the first laptop. Alan Turing developed foundational concepts in computing but not portable computers.
What was a standout feature of the Osborne 1, the first widely recognized laptop?
Explanation: The Osborne 1 was designed for portability, famously fitting under an airplane seat—a unique feature at the time. It did not have a color touchscreen, as that technology was not yet available for laptops. Music CDs were not used in computers until later years.
How was the Osborne 1, the first commercial laptop, powered?
Explanation: The Osborne 1 did not have a battery and needed to be plugged into an electrical outlet for operation. Lithium-ion batteries became common in laptops years later, and solar panels are not a standard power source for commercial laptops.
In which year was the Osborne 1, the first mass-produced portable computer, released?
Explanation: The Osborne 1 launched in 1981, marking a significant milestone in tech history. 1974 was too early for portable computers, and 1991 saw advancements but not the debut of the first laptop.
Approximately how much did the Osborne 1, the first laptop, weigh?
Explanation: The Osborne 1 weighed about 11 kilograms, making it portable by early standards but quite heavy compared to modern laptops. The lighter weights given did not occur until much later in laptop history.
What type of display did the Osborne 1 provide?
Explanation: The Osborne 1 featured a small monochrome CRT display. High-resolution touchscreens and full-color LED displays were not available in laptops at that time.
What was the main input device used on early laptops like the Osborne 1?
Explanation: The Osborne 1 used a traditional physical keyboard. Touchpads and voice recognition technology were introduced much later in portable computing.
What unique business strategy did Adam Osborne use to market the Osborne 1?
Explanation: Adam Osborne included valuable software packages as part of the laptop's purchase to attract buyers. Internet access and Bluetooth technology were not relevant or available during that era.
What kind of storage media did the Osborne 1 use?
Explanation: The Osborne 1 relied on 5.25-inch floppy disks for storage. Solid-state drives and Compact Flash cards became available much later and were not available in early laptops.
How large was the Osborne 1's screen, approximated diagonally?
Explanation: The Osborne 1's monochrome screen measured about 5 inches diagonally. The other options overestimate the size, given the compact design limitations of early portable computers.