On Mon, 10 Sep 2012, Evan Koblentz wrote:
I agree that Moggridge did important work for the Grid
Compass, circa
1982. His design may indeed have been the first of its kind, although
I'd be curious to see any examples of prior art.
Although not exactly the same, Kay's "Dynabook" concept would surely be
closely related prior art.
But, I strongly disagree with all the reports calling the Compass a
"laptop" computer. I don't mean that as mere semantics: a vital
definition of a laptop isn't just a flat lap-sized computer, but rather
a flat lap-sized computer with its own power source. Compass users had
no choice but to plug into wall power.
So the Compass may have been the first clamshell * computer * but it's
not a laptop.
That's a reasonable "requirement", but not universally agreed upon.
Some people didn't mind sitting with a ton of bricks on their lap and a
cord plugged into the wall.
--
Grumpy Ol' Fred cisin at
xenosoft.com