Compaq Portable 486
| Industry | Computer hardware |
|---|---|
| Founded | February 1, 1982 |
| Products | Computers, including the Compaq Portable 486 series |
The Compaq Portable 486, launched by Compaq Computer Corporation in 1991, represented the concluding model in the Compaq Portable series of portable "luggable" computers.
This line was available in multiple configurations, differing in hard drive capacity and offering two display variants: an economical monochrome screen and the higher-end active matrix color display known as the Compaq Portable 486c. Initial pricing began at US$5,899 for the monochrome edition equipped with a 120 MB hard disk, while the color model started at US$9,999. Subsequently, models featuring a 210 MB hard drive were released, priced at US$6,899 for the monochrome and US$10,999 for the color version.
Both editions were powered by a socketed Intel 80486DX processor clocked at 33 MHz and came with 4 MB of 72-pin SIMM DRAM memory. Storage options included a 1.44 MB floppy disk drive and P-ATA hard drives ranging from 120 MB up to 1000 MB. Additionally, a SCSI interface was provided to connect peripherals such as CD-ROM or tape drives. Distinctively, this model incorporated a 3.5 mm audio input jack that enabled compatibility with external ISA sound cards.
Later enhancements introduced faster models equipped with a 66 MHz Intel 80486DX2 CPU: these were designated as the Compaq Portable 486/66 for the monochrome screen and 486/66c for the color display.
In partnership with Network General, Compaq developed co-branded units marketed under the "Network Sniffer" name, specifically designed for network diagnostic purposes.
A customized version featuring a color display was utilized as a prop in the 1995 motion picture Hackers, where its internal components were replaced with Macintosh hardware.
Environmental operating parameters specified temperature ranges from 10 to 40 °C during use and from -30 to 60 °C when powered off; relative humidity levels between 20% and 80% during operation; an operational altitude limit without pressurization of up to 3,050 meters; and nonoperational shock tolerance reaching up to 40 g.