MicroOffice
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer hardware |
| Founded | October 1981 |
| Founder | James P. Dunn |
| Fate | Acquired by Telxon Corporation in 1985 |
| Headquarters | Fairfield , United States |
Key people | James P. Dunn (co-founder), Robert F. Weltzien (CEO) |
| Products | RoadRunner (MicroOffice 100) portable computer |
The RoadRunner, marketed to original equipment manufacturers as the MicroOffice 100, was an early portable computer developed by MicroOffice Systems Technology and introduced in 1983. Weighing approximately , it offered a battery life extending up to eight hours, making it one of the pioneering clamshell-style notebook computers available at the time.
Rather than relying on magnetic disk drives, the RoadRunner utilized CMOS RAM and ROM cartridges for storing both data and software. It incorporated an embedded CP/M-compatible operating system along with an address book and scheduler that made use of its real-time clock. An optional external modem allowed connectivity with mainframe systems and supported wake-on-ring functionality to facilitate remote data transmission. MicroOffice, co-founded by James P. Dunn, released the RoadRunner in November 1983 to positive critical reception. The device remained on sale until MicroOffice was acquired in 1985.
Specifications
The RoadRunner featured a clamshell chassis measuring , equipped with a LCD screen that displayed 480×64 pixels (equivalent to 80×8 text columns) using a dot-matrix character set without descenders. Its ratcheting hinge permitted multiple viewing angles, protecting the display and accommodating aftermarket enhancements. The unit weighed roughly , powered by a nickel–cadmium battery capable of delivering up to eight hours of operation.
Its keyboard comprised 73 keys, including 14 function keys with full-travel linear switches, designed following the IBM Selectric keyboard layout. The processor was a National Semiconductor NSC800D (a CMOS-based Z80A derivative) running at 2.5 MHz, offering performance on par with NEC’s PC-8201 portable computer.
The built-in ROM contained CP/M version 2.2 enhanced with features such as background printing, a phone book, text editing tools, a VT100 terminal emulator, and a scheduler that utilized the real-time clock. The system included 48 KB of onboard static CMOS RAM, expandable through four cartridge slots supporting modules from 16 KB to 64 KB. These modules could function as RAM drives labeled A through D under CP/M. Lithium batteries within the cartridges preserved data for up to five years, allowing a maximum RAM capacity of 256 KB.
At launch, software cartridges included Microsoft BASIC, Sorcim’s SuperCalc spreadsheet, and MicroOffice’s proprietary text editor. Subsequently, third-party business applications became available, including an email client from Distribution Management Systems bundled with the complete system.
Connectivity options featured a 25-pin RS-232C serial interface, a 37-pin parallel bus port, and an optional modem slot supporting 300 baud communication with features like auto-dialing, auto-answering, and wake-on-ring—enabling automated remote reporting functions. The serial port combined with the VT100 terminal emulator facilitated connections to desktop computers or mainframe systems for data exchange.
Development
In October 1981, James P. Dunn—formerly an executive at Exxon—co-founded MicroOffice Systems Technology in Fairfield, Connecticut with the goal of creating portable office automation devices. By early 1982, MicroOffice was valued at $2.5 million and secured $500,000 in funding from Olivetti in February as part of Olivetti’s initiative to invest in emerging technology companies. Intensive development of the RoadRunner took place between late 1982 and January 1983 with design objectives targeting a weight under five pounds and a retail price near $2,000. Olivetti influenced the product’s design to complement its existing office equipment range.
Robert F. Weltzien—former chairman of Timex and founder of a venture capital firm—was appointed CEO in September 1983 to oversee preparations for the RoadRunner’s launch. Although he had briefly joined MicroOffice in 1982, Weltzien returned full-time after securing financing in August 1983. His interest in the laptop’s LCD technology made his leadership instrumental during this period.
MicroOffice marketed the RoadRunner primarily toward traveling sales representatives, executives, authors, and mobile professionals. Marketing manager Richard Howell observed that while priced between the more affordable TRS-80 Model 100 and the higher-end Gavilan SC, the RoadRunner effectively had no direct competitors within its segment.
Release and reception
The RoadRunner made its first appearance at the Information Management Exposition & Conference in October 1983, with an anticipated launch scheduled for late November. Initially, the device was offered exclusively to original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for rebranding or bulk corporate fleet purchases, while direct sales to individual consumers were promised at a later stage. In May 1984, Federal Data Corporation acquired a $1 million order comprising RoadRunner laptops and accompanying software.
David H. Ahl from Creative Computing commended the RoadRunner as an authentic "portable office," emphasizing its lightweight construction and included software suite. He appreciated the keyboard’s intuitive arrangement but pointed out that certain key placements hindered ease of use. Although he found MicroOffice's Editor sufficient for basic tasks, he criticized some bundled programs for their heavy memory demands and limited practicality.
Author Owen Davies highlighted the RoadRunner’s distinctive clamshell form factor and regarded it as a strong competitor in the realm of portable computing devices. He expressed concerns over the reflective LCD cover and some keyboard design flaws but acknowledged its capacity to support fast typing. Davies concluded that users prioritizing mobility—particularly those already utilizing CP/M-based desktop systems—would find the RoadRunner a worthy option.
Legacy
MicroOffice continued to market the RoadRunner until 1985, when it was acquired by Telxon Corporation, a company specializing in handheld computers based in Akron, Ohio. Following this acquisition, MicroOffice operated as a subsidiary under Telxon, redirecting its efforts toward developing customized software and providing data conversion services tailored for medical practices and clinics. After Telxon was purchased by Symbol Technologies in 2000, MicroOffice was divested to function independently within the healthcare technology sector. In 2020, Medsphere Systems Corporation purchased MicroOffice, broadening its range of healthcare IT solutions.
Further reading
- How to Use the RoadRunner Portable Computer, MicroOffice Systems Technology, May 1984
- Microsoft BASIC Interpreter User's Guide for the RoadRunner Portable Computer, MicroOffice Systems Technology, 1983