IBM PS/55 Note
| Company type | Product line |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | April 1991 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Notebook computers |
The IBM Personal System/55 Note (PS/55 note) represents a line of notebook computers produced by IBM Japan as a component of the broader IBM Personal System/55 lineup.
Computers classified under machine type 5523 were identified as 'notebook' models, differentiating them from the larger 'laptop' multistation devices labeled as type 5535.
The global IBM PS/2 Note series drew inspiration from the PS/55 Note design and incorporated the ISA bus architecture, with the exception of the C52 model.
History
In April 1991, IBM introduced the PS/55 Note series within the Japanese market.
Video and logic integrated circuits for the PS/55 Note were provided by Western Digital.
The second generation adopted an N suffix in model numbers to indicate 'Notebook,' whereas the third and fourth generations used C to signify 'Colour' displays and M for 'Monochrome' screens.
Models
Pricing varied between and .
- The initial release, model 'note' (5523-S0x), featured a 12MHz 80386 processor.
- The second generation, Model N23 SX (5523-SCx) (03/1991), upgraded to a 16MHz 80386 CPU.
- Third-generation models M23V and C23V (10/1992) introduced TFT display options but excluded TrackPoint functionality.
- The fourth and last generation, Model C52 (10/1992), was essentially the same as the ThinkPad 700C and utilized an MCA bus.
- Model T22sx (1992) offered a detachable tablet with a separate keyboard.
- Model N27sx (02/1992) was not a notebook but served as a forerunner to the PS/2 CL57SX.
Reception
The PS/55 Note quickly gained popularity in Japan, securing a significant position for IBM within the country's laptop market segment.