---
title: IBM 5140 Convertible
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Portable
origins:
- U.S.A.
years:
- '1986'
cpus:
- Intel 80C88
params:
  name: 5140 Convertible
  image: /media/museum/photos/ibm_5140_2s.jpg
  company: /companies/ibm
  company_name: IBM
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: 5140 Convertible
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: IBM
  - label: TYPE
    value: Portable
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: U.S.A.
  - label: YEAR
    value: april 1986
  - label: END OF PRODUCTION
    value: 1987 ?
  - label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
    value: Microsoft Basic
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: Full Stroke
  - label: CPU
    value: Intel 80C88
  - label: SPEED
    value: 4.77 MHz
  - label: CO-PROCESSOR
    value: Unknown
  - label: RAM
    value: 256 KB
  - label: VRAM
    value: Unknown
  - label: ROM
    value: Unknown
  - label: TEXT MODES
    value: 80 x 25
  - label: GRAPHIC MODES
    value: 640 x 200
  - label: COLORS
    value: 10'' monochrome LCD display (non-backlit on early models)
  - label: SOUND
    value: Integrated PC Speaker
  - label: SIZE / WEIGHT
    value: 5.5 Kg
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: Parallel interface, CGA video ouput, Serial port, Proprietary Snap-on Port, Expansion bus
  - label: BUILT IN MEDIA
    value: 2 x 3.5'' floppy drives (720 KB each)
  - label: OS
    value: PC DOS 3.2
  - label: POWER SUPPLY
    value: External poxer supply 15Volt / 2.7Amp - -(o- +
  - label: PRICE
    value: $2000 (USA, 1986)
  tabs:
  - photos
  - hardware
  forum_thread: 1150
  photos:
  - title: SIDE VIEW
    subtitle: ''
    text: Thanks to [www.computercloset.org](http://www.computercloset.org) for this picture
    image: /media/museum/photos/ibm_5140_2.jpg
  - title: FRONT VIEW
    subtitle: ''
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/photos/ibm_5140_1.jpg
  hardware:
  - title: CONVERTIBLE PRINTER
    subtitle: '... attached to the back of the computer'
    text: ''
    image: /media/museum/hardware/ibm_5140_printer_1.jpg
  oc_id: 1182
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230608085208/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=1182
    date: '2023-06-08'
---

IBM had little luck with it's portable models, and realized to keep up, they needed a laptop. IBM came up with the 5140, it was a laptop that could be converted into a main desktop in seconds.

The LCD screen detaches for a color CRT to be attached. IBM didn't sell many of these due to the fact the LCD was not backlit, and conpetition was less expensive.

The IBM 5140 was available in two models, the 2 and the 22; the only difference being the 22 came with diagnostics software. IBM saw little success from this machine due to high costs, slow processor at 4.77 MHz, hard to read screen, and cumbersome size. Both models were expandable to 640KB RAM with third party upgrades.

This laptop is unique however because it used static memory, instead of dynamic memory. The static memory was more reliable, and gave the CPU 7% more processing power.

There were three distinct display models for the IBM 5140. One was the standard 10” monochrome LCD, which was hard to read. Later on IBM changed this to a super twist LCD, which was much easier to read.

The first CRT option was an IBM 5144 monochrome display, which was easy to read, it came with a stand, ac power cord, and CRT adaptor for the 5140. The second and final option was an IBM 5145 color display, which was easy to read as well, it came with a stand, ac power cord, and CRT adaptor for the 5140. The CRT monitors sat atop a stand which was placed over the 5140, the 5140 then could be slid in and out from under the monitor stand for easy conversion. The LCD screen that attaches via proprietary connection could be disconnected and removed easily with the push of a button.

There is a 72 pin port on the back of the unit for several expansions; serial, parallel, and CRT interfaces were available.

These computers also came with a small, direct-attach thermal printer that was same width, height, etc as the computer so you could carry computer, printer and all by the one handle.

Thanks to **Alex Rushing** for info and [www.computercloset.org](http://www.computercloset.org) for the picture.

---

**Pharoah** adds:\
These computers came with a disk of bundled software which had a graphical menu, and made use of TSRs to allow you to "pause" one program and load another (IE to do a calculation for your text document). They also had an optional internal modem.

<table> <tr> <td></td> <td>We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system, please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.</td> <td></td> </tr> </table>