Compaq Portable II 286

1986

After having invented the first IBM-compatible transportable computer, and having recorded half a billion dollars turnover, Compaq decided to launch its second portable AT clone. The system featured an 8 MHz processor and a 10 MB hard disk in a package 30% smaller and 20% lighter than previous PC model. 

The general engineering idea behind this machine was to provide a cut-down IBM PC/AT clone with fewer expansion slots (5), a small hard disk and a floppy disc. This allowed Compaq to make the Portable II smaller and lighter without sacrificing too much specification. 

Like many portable systems of the time, the keyboard attached to the front of the case and when the machine was ready for carrying, it was like a sewing machine. 

The machine was supplied with 640 KB of RAM which was the maximum that could be fitted to the main board. However, RAM could be taken up to 2.1 MB by using a custom-designed expansion card. 

Technically the Portable II gave its user more power than an IBM PC/AT for almost half the price.

At the same time, Compaq delivered two desktop computers, the Deskpro PC/XT and Deskpro PC/AT, and two portable systems, the Portable/Plus PC/XT and the Portable 286 which was a full function PC/AT clone.