Compaq LTE

The Compaq LTE was a line of laptop computers made by Compaq, introduced in 1989. The first models, the Compaq LTE and the Compaq LTE 286, were among the first computers to be the size of a paper notebook, spurring the use of the term "notebook" to describe a smaller laptop. They were also among the first to include both built-in hard disk and floppy disk drives, offering performance comparable to then-current desktop machines. The model name "LTE" is assumed by many consumers to mean "LITE", owing to the device's small size and weight. [1] [2]

Specifications

The two original LTE models differed primarily in the processor availability; however, the 286 model came with a standard 40-megabyte hard drive in place of the base model's 20. Both computers weighed 3 kg (6.7 lb). They ran MS-DOS version 3.31.

• Processor: LTE: 9.55-MHz Intel 8086; LTE 286: 12 MHz Intel 80C286
• Memory: 640 KiB base RAM, additional 1 - 4 MiB using proprietary memory cards
• Hard disk: LTE: 20 MB: LTE/286: 40 MB HD, <29 ms seek time
• Floppy disk drive:1.44 MB floppy drive
• Video adapter: Backlit grayscale CGA 640 x 200 display (80/40 x 25 lines, 4 shades of gray) with separate CGA video output
• Modem: Internal 2400 bit/s Hayes

Little known fact: Windows 3.0 could be installed on the original LTE 286 if one secured the CGA driver from Microsoft. Installation was a little tricky because the buttons in one of the installation boxes were off the screen, but if you knew they were there, you could move the box and complete the install.

Later models

Compaq LTE 386 laptop.

The success of the original LTE series led Compaq to apply the designation to later models. Subsequent Compaq LTE computers had a pointing stick in the middle of the keyboard, however the LTE 386 and LTE Elite 486 models had a trackball mounted to the right of the LCD screen, and were able to hook up to a docking station to act as a regular desktop computer. Later models are able to remove the floppy drive to add an internal CD-ROM drive, which was an expensive upgrade option for the late LTE series.

External links

• Article describing original LTE/286
• Munich Computer Museum entry on the LTE (in German)
• Images of the LTE with description in French

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