Origins of term "laptop" computer, and absurdity of "first"

On Thu, 13 Sep 2012, Tom Gardner wrote: The Gavilan computer was called a "laptop" when it was introduced at NCC (National Computer Conference) in Anaheim May 16, 1983. It appears to be the first machine sold AS A "LAPTOP". I know neither the exact date (April 1982?), nor the wording for the Grid Compass, which was earlier, but it was apparently NOT called a "laptop" at the time, AND is rejected by Evan due to not having batteries at the time. "FIRST" is a really ridiculous measure. Do you want the first one PROPOSED? First one DESIGNED? First one BUILT? First one SHOWN? First one MARKETED? First one SOLD? First one actually DELIVERED? Unless each and every step was concluded before the comparable step of another machine, any claim to "first" is ludicrous. Do NOT be deluded into thinking that any of those milestones ocurred at the same time, nor even that they ocurred in a logical sequence. For example, the Elcompco model V was designed, built, delivered, sold, shown, then marketed (WCCF, April 1981). All of the steps, albeit in a strange order, were completed before the Osborne (WCCF, 1981), although "everybody knows" that the Osborne 1 was "the first portable computer" MANY machines, such as the Dulmont Magnum, and even the Grid Compass, had enormous gaps between design and delivery, or between introduction and delivery, during which other machines may have completed ALL of the steps. -- Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin at xenosoft.com