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IBM PC Convertible, Model Number 5140, S/N 26-5000584, Ca. 1986
IBM Color display, Model Number 5145, S/N 0023675, Ca. 1987
A donation from the estate of Warren Stearns.
The PC Convertible used the CMOS 88C88 version of the Intel 8088 CPU running at 4.77 MHz, came with 256 kB of RAM (expandable to 640 kB), dual 720 kB 3.5" floppy drives (this was the first PC from IBM to use the 3-1/4" floppy disk drive.), and a monochrome CGA-compatible LCD display. It originally sold for about $2,000 and weighed 13 pounds (5.8 kg).
The PC Convertible had expansion capabilities through a proprietary ISA bus-based port on the rear of the machine. Extension modules, including a small printer and a video output module (shown at the right), could be snapped into place. The machine could also take an internal modem, but there was no room for an internal hard disk. The concept and the design of the body was made by German industrial designer Richard Sapper.
The display was capable of 80x25 in text mode and 640x200 or 320x200 pixels in graphics mode. Pressing a lever between the two floppy drives just below the display detached the entire screen from the unit so a full-size desktop monitor could be used.
Click on the image for a larger view.
The 5140 IBM PC Convertible with the AC adapter, parallel printer port, and monitor adapter.
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The IBM 5145 Color display for the PC convertible.
This came with a display adapter that snapped onto the back of the PC Convertible.
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