website/content/museum/ibm-5140-convertible.md

title, categories, types, origins, years, cpus, params

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

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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.

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.