---
title: Kaypro 1
categories:
- Computers
types:
- Portable
origins:
- U.S.A.
years:
- '1986'
cpus:
- Z80-A
params:
  name: Kaypro 1
  image: /media/museum/photos/kaypro_1_system_1.jpg
  company: /companies/kaypro
  company_name: Kaypro
  specs:
  - label: NAME
    value: Kaypro 1
  - label: MANUFACTURER
    value: Kaypro
  - label: TYPE
    value: Portable
  - label: ORIGIN
    value: U.S.A.
  - label: YEAR
    value: '1986'
  - label: BUILT IN LANGUAGE
    value: None
  - label: KEYBOARD
    value: Detachable, 72 key typewriter style keyboard with 18 programmable keys.
  - label: CPU
    value: Z80-A
  - label: SPEED
    value: 4 MHz
  - label: RAM
    value: 64 KB
  - label: VRAM
    value: Unknown
  - label: ROM
    value: Unknown
  - label: TEXT MODES
    value: 80 char. x 25 lines
  - label: GRAPHIC MODES
    value: Resolution unknown. Managed by Escape sequences
  - label: COLORS
    value: built-in 9'' non-glare green phosphor screen
  - label: SOUND
    value: Unknown
  - label: SIZE / WEIGHT
    value: Unknown
  - label: I/O PORTS
    value: 2 x RS232C serial ports, 1 x Centronics-type parallel port, 2 x RJ11 modem jacks ?
  - label: BUILT IN MEDIA
    value: 2 x 5.25'' DS/DD floppy drives (390 KB per disk)
  - label: OS
    value: CP/M
  - label: POWER SUPPLY
    value: Built-in power supply unit
  - label: PRICE
    value: Unknown
  tabs:
  - photos
  - links
  - docs
  forum_thread: 812
  photos:
  - title: BACK SIDE
    subtitle: ''
    text: |-
      **(1)** Reset switch\
      **(2)** Parallel printer connector\
      **(3)** General purpose serial RS232 port\
      **(4)** Second serial port dedicated to a serial printer\
      **(5)** Internal 300 baud modem RJ11 jacks\
      **(6)** Screen brightness knob
    image: /media/museum/photos/kaypro_1_back_1.jpg
  links:
  - title: Web Wiz CAPTCHA
    url: http://www.webwizcaptcha.com
    text: ''
  docs:
  - title: KAYPRO TECHNICAL MANUAL
    url: null
    cover: /media/museum/docs/couvs/kaypro_technical_manual.jpg
    text: |-
      **KAYPRO TECHNICAL MANUAL**\
      written by Kaypro

       compiled/archived by Unknown\
       type of document : Online reader

      **... READ THE ONLINE VERSION BY CLICKING BELOW :**
  related:
  - /museum/kaypro-10
  - /museum/kaypro-2x
  - /museum/kaypro-4
  - /museum/kaypro-ii
  - /museum/kaypro-iv
  - /museum/kaypro-robie
  oc_id: 831
  source:
    url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230603122236/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=831
    date: '2023-06-03'
---

The Kaypro 1 wasn't the first computer Kaypro launched, but quite one of the last ones.

When the company started getting strapped for money they changed the model name of some of their previous systems, modified the case design, added some minor hardware improvements and launched them as new models.

The Kaypro 1 was thus no more than a rebadged version of the 2X model which was itself a light evolution of a previous version called 4'84!

The main difference between the 1 and 2X versions was the floppy drives assembly, hozizontally mounted in the 2X, vertically in the model 1.

---

From **Robert**:\
I used to work for Kaypro back in the early and mid 80's at the headquarters in Solana Beach. Mr. Kay was a wonderful man to work for and the campus was beautiful.\
I wish Kaypro had of become the Compaq of that time. I remember Compaq being a major worry back then. I wish I could connect with some of the beautiful people that I worked with at Kaypro.

<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>