IBM PS/2 Note and PS/note
| Industry | Computer hardware |
|---|---|
| Founded | March 1992 |
| Defunct | 1994 |
| Products | Notebook computers |
| Parent | IBM |
The IBM PS/2 Note and PS/note represent notebook computers from IBM's PS/2 series, introduced in March 1992, approximately half a year prior to the launch of IBM's inaugural ThinkPad, the ThinkPad 700. Production of this lineup ceased in 1994.
Background
After Bob Lawten left IBM, the development of notebook computers lacked a clear strategic vision following the IBM PS/2 L40 SX. James Cannavino pushed for the creation of a new notebook product line, although its rollout was postponed. The N45 SL, N51 SX, and N51 SLC models debuted alongside the IBM PS/2 CL57 SX color laptop. During this period, notebooks were typically differentiated from laptops by their A4-sized form factor.
These devices were derived from the Japanese-market IBM PS/55 Note, which was launched in April 1991.
Models
| IBM PS/55 note, PS/2 note, and PS/note variants | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 1992 | 1993 | 1994 | ||
| PS/2 note | N33 SX | N51 SX;Template:BrN51 SLC | |||
| PS/note | 182;Template:BrE82;Template:BrN82 | 425/425C | |||
| N45 SL | |||||
PS/55 note
Marketed as the PS/55 note (type 5523-S0x), this model marked IBM Japan’s initial entry into the 55-series notebooks. It was equipped with a 12MHz 80386 processor, 2MB of RAM, and a 9.5-inch VGA LCD display capable of showing 16 shades of gray at a resolution of 640x480. The design incorporated two principal circuit boards—“APEX-MAIN” and “SUB-BOARD”—which allowed installation of either an internal floppy disk or hard drive, but not both simultaneously. The keyboard employed a seven-row layout. Exclusively available in Japan, its PCB architecture indicates some external design influence beyond IBM’s usual standards.
PS/55 note N23 SX
This second iteration of the PS/55 note (model 5523-S1x), also limited to the Japanese market, featured an upgraded 16MHz 80386 CPU and a redesigned single motherboard layout. The additional internal space permitted inclusion of both an internal floppy disk drive and hard disk drive. It supported an external VGA output and included a display inversion switch. The main motherboard carried the label “EXCEL-MAIN.”
PS/2 note N33 SX
Introduced in 1991, the PS/2 Model N33 SX was IBM’s first notebook-sized computer released to Western markets. Utilizing the AT bus architecture, it came with either 2MB or 6MB of RAM. Its display was a 9.5-inch VGA LCD with 16 grayscale levels (640x480). The system featured an external connector for a 1.44MB floppy drive, various expansion ports, and offered either a 40MB or 80MB hard disk drive option. Weighing approximately 5.5 pounds, two versions existed: one derived from the Japanese 12MHz PS/55 Note and another based on the faster 16MHz N23 SX model. Both lacked internal floppy drives and were fitted with Western-style keyboards.
PS/ note C23 SX
This third-generation PS/Note model combined the ISA-bus architecture of the N23SX with a miniaturized version of the CL57’s 10.4-inch color TFT panel adapted to fit within a smaller notebook lid. These units bore the 'ThinkPad' branding alongside the color IBM logo.
PS/2 note N51 SX
The third-generation PS/2 Note N51 SX targeted entry-level mainstream users and operated on the MCA bus using a reduced-speed variant of the standard 386SX processor. Its market introduction experienced several months of delay.
PS/2 note N51 SLC
Built around IBM’s 386SLC CPU, the PS/2 Note N51 SLC shared its MCA bus design with a corresponding model from the PS/55 note series.
PS/note N45 SL
Produced by Zenith, the PS/note N45 SL was offered at a price of $2,045 and was equipped with a 25 MHz 386SL processor, 2MB of RAM, and an 80 or 120MB hard drive. Its keyboard consisted of six rows and lacked a separate navigation cluster, resembling the layout found on the entry-level ThinkPad 300.
While PC Mag commended its overall design and system performance, the screen quality was considered underwhelming.
PS/note T22 SX
The T22 SX represented a specialized greyscale tablet without backlighting, featuring a detachable keyboard and produced in limited volumes.
PS/note 182/E82/N82
In collaboration with Lexmark, IBM developed the PS/note 182 and E82, both powered by 80386SL processors, whereas the N82 utilized an 80386SX CPU. Launched in 1992, this series incorporated a seven-row keyboard and housed in a gray chassis similar to the later PS/note 425 design but omitted the TrackPoint. The branding on the case reflected the style used in the PS/1 series.
Model 425/425C
The PS/note 425/425C units were essentially the same as the ThinkPad 350/350C models.
Accessories
- Communication cartridge
- Communication cartridge II
- External floppy disk drive
- External numpad
Discontinuation
In March 1994, IBM declared that the PS/note lineup would be merged into the ThinkPad 300 series. Subsequently, the ThinkPad 360 series was introduced in May 1994.