IBM 5110
| Company type | Product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Predecessor | IBM 5100 Portable Computer |
| Founded | January 1978 |
| Products | Portable computer (Models 1, 2, and 3/IBM 5120) |
The IBM 5110 Computing System was introduced as the successor to the IBM 5100 Portable Computer.
Unveiled in January 1978, more than two years following the IBM 5100, the 5110 brought enhanced compatibility with additional input/output devices such as floppy disk drives, IEEE-488, and RS-232 interfaces. It also incorporated an EBCDIC character set aligned with other IBM systems. These upgrades led to partial incompatibility with its predecessor, the IBM 5100.
Variations
There were three distinct IBM 5110 configurations:
- Model 1 – featured an integrated QIC DC300 tape drive with a capacity of 204 kB
- Model 2 – did not include the QIC tape drive
- Model 3 – commonly referred to as the IBM 5120, equipped with two built-in 8-inch floppy disk drives, each offering 1.2 MB of storage
Description
The design of the 5110 maintained the form factor of the IBM 5100 but introduced updated color schemes. Inside, it housed an IBM PALM processor, a keyboard, and a display capable of showing 1,024 characters. Memory options ranged from 16 to 64 KB of RAM. Storage capabilities differed by model: Model 1 supported magnetic tape or diskette storage (204 kB per tape cartridge or 1.2 MB per 8-inch diskette), whereas Model 2 was limited to diskette storage only. Additionally, up to two external IBM 5114 diskette units—each containing two 8-inch drives—could be attached, expanding online diskette storage up to 4.8 MB; Model 3 allowed connection of one such external unit.
IBM did not offer a LAN solution or a hard disk drive option for these machines. Nevertheless, in 1981, Hal Prewitt, founder of Core International, Inc, developed pioneering hard disk subsystems along with "CoreNet," a LAN software facilitating program and data sharing for the IBM 5110 and 5120.
Available optional accessories included the IBM 5103 printer and an external IBM 5106 auxiliary tape unit (exclusive to Model 1).
Jeff Grube, vice president of Punxsutawney Electric Repair and first recipient of an IBM 5110 in February 1978, emphasized its ease of use: "If you can type and operate a hand-held calculator, you already possess all necessary skills to use a 5110."
Programming languages
Users could select between APL or BASIC—or both—via a toggle switch located on the front panel.
In 1984, Core International, Inc introduced PC51 software that allowed BASIC programs written for the IBM 5100 Series to run without modification on the IBM PC and compatible systems under PC DOS. This facilitated sharing of programs and data through the CoreNet LAN.
5110 Software
The software for the IBM 5110 was developed by IBM Rochester's Global Software Development team, targeting commercial applications. Under Bill Sydnes’s leadership—who later played a key role in developing the IBM PC—the project progressed from concept to production within just three months. IBM provided fundamental accounting software tailored for small businesses, while third-party vendors such as Core International, Inc offered a wide variety of additional applications.
Model 3
Known also as the IBM 5120 Computing System, the IBM 5110 Model 3 represented the desktop variant of the original model.
Although marketing efforts ceased in March 1982, IBM continued to offer support for this product line into the mid-1980s.
References
- Notes
- IBM 5110 Computing System IBM Archives. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
- Core 5110/20 Hard Drives
- Mercer, David (1987, 1988). IBM: How the World's Most Successful Corporation is Managed, Kogan Page Ltd.
- 1984 Core PC51 Users Manual
- 1984 Core PC51 Media Release