HP 250
| Company type | Computer |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Predecessor | HP 9835 |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Successor | HP 260 |
| Products | Multiuser business computer |
The HP 250 was a multiuser business-oriented computer developed by Hewlett-Packard that operated using HP 250 BASIC and provided access to HP's IMAGE database management system. Manufactured by the General Systems Division (GSD), it represented a significant redesign of the desktop workstation HP 9835 from the HP 9800 series, which initially supplied its CPU.
Drawing inspiration from the embedded keyboard style of the HP 300, the HP 250 incorporated a broader monitor that could slide and tilt, featuring physical function keys beneath screen-displayed labels—a design later commonly seen in ATM and fuel dispenser interfaces—integrated within a sizable desk console.
Although it utilized different processors and operating systems, the HP 250 shared interface cards with the HP 300 and subsequent HP 3000 models (30, 33, 40, 42, 44, and 48), including HP-IB channel (GIC), Network, and serial (MUX) cards. Typically set up as a compact HP-IB single channel system, it supported connecting up to seven HP-IB devices operating below 1 MHz bandwidth.
Initially designed as a single-user machine relying on floppy disks similar to the HP300, multi-user functionality was later introduced alongside an embedded hard drive serving as the boot device. Additional drivers allowed attachment of more HP-IB peripherals such as hard drives, tape units, impact printers, and matrix printers—providing enhanced scalability options for expanding enterprises.
Launched in 1978, the HP 250 was particularly promoted in Europe as an affordable, user-friendly, and compact business solution, where it experienced stronger market reception. Subsequent marketing emphasized its ease of use for personnel requiring minimal training. Its successor, the HP 260, moved away from the integrated desk format with embedded keyboard and CRT display toward a more compact standalone configuration.
Over time, HP transitioned from integrated tabletop designs to centralized computing systems with remote user terminals and peripherals connected via RS-232 interfaces. Desk-side terminals (262x low-cost variants) connected to the HP 250 through MUX cards at data rates up to 9600 baud—a standard before the widespread adoption of LANs or PC networking cards.