Osborne 1 Microcomputer

Access and use

Location of collection:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Special Collections, University Libraries (0434)
Newman Library
Virginia Tech
P.O. Box 90001
560 Drillfield Drive
Blacksburg, VA 24062-9001
Contact for questions and access:
Phone: (540) 231-6308
Fax: (540) 231-3694
Restrictions:

The collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

Permission to publish material found on the floppy disks must be obtained from the original software publishers or their agents. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) for more information.

Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Osborne 1 Microcomputer, Artifact.004, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Summary

Extent:
1.3 Cubic Feet 1 item
Abstract:
Osborne 1 microcomputer, c. 1982, with boot disk for CP/M operating system, WordStar word processing software, Boardroom Graphics (Ver. 3.0) analytical software, and additional 5.25" floppy disks.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Osborne 1 Microcomputer, Artifact.004, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Background

Scope and content:

Osborne 1 microcomputer, c. 1982, with boot disk for CP/M operating system, WordStar word processing software, Boardroom Graphics (Ver. 3.0) analytical software, and additional 5.25" floppy disks.

The computer includes the loop side of velcro fasteners where a magnifying device was previously affixed and a 3-prong to 2-prong electrical grounding adapter. There is a silver date label affixed near the handle with August 9, 1982 circled.

A repair tag from ComputerLand dated February 23, 1983 is affixed to the handle with a corresponding stub affixed to the computer casing. The stated work to be done is "Double Density 80+ Upgrade" for a price of US$480.00.

Biographical / historical:

The Osborne 1 portable microcomputer was first released in 1981. It was the first computer produced by the Osborne Computer Corporation and is generally regarded as the first commercially viable portable microcomputer.

Acquisition information:
The collection was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 2018.
Processing information:

The processing, arrangement, and description of the Osborne 1 Microcomputer commenced in August 2018 and was completed in September 2018.

Physical / technical requirements:

Researchers wishing to use the Osborne 1 should schedule an appointment in advance with the University Libraries' Data Transformation Studio. Contact information for the studio is available on their website: https://spaces.lib.vt.edu/dtstudio/.