Surely you noticed the computer with which the young John Connor in Terminator-2 hacked the PIN-code of the ATM, and the access code to the laboratory. This computer was Atari Portfolio. At the time of the film’s release (1991), he seemed to be something beyond fiction. I was lucky to find him, and I want to share with you his review.

Specifications

Processor: 80C88 @ 4.9152 MHz (C means CMOS version, with low power consumption)
RAM : 128 kB
ROM : 256 kB
Power supply : 3 AA batteries or power supply
OS : DIP DOS 2.11, compatible with MS DOS 2.11 / 3
Screen : LCD 240x64, or 40 x 8 characters (compatible with MDA).
Expansion Slot : Additional modules LPT, COM, MIDI, Modem
Memory expansion : proprietary memory cards on static memory
Dimensions and weight : 200x100x28mm, 454 grams without batteries.
Year of release : 1989

Well, let's see

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Keyboard, for comparison - human fingers:


Built-in spreadsheets:


The calendar. As we see, neither the problem of the year 2000, nor the end of the world is foreseen:


Text editor:


On the system disk as much as 30kB of free space:


If this is not enough, you can connect a memory card that becomes drive A:


There was no fast flash memory then, so there is static memory (SRAM), which requires a battery to save data (enough for 2 years):


Card reader:


After 23 years - it's time to rip the store tape from the nameplate:


Made in Japan - now you can surprise this:


LPT port on expansion module:


Software and documentation. And yes, I have on what to read 5 "discs

Opening hours and conclusion

According to the measurement results, the current consumption during operation is 45 mA, respectively, the battery pack (2700 mAh) will last for 60 hours (!!!) of work.

Modern laptops nervously smoke aside - the text can be typed here and there, but after the Ultrabook has Intel batteries, the Atari Portfolio will have another 50 hours to work.

There are still amateur sites with software for Portfolio - the main thing is not to be intimidated by a bit of old-fashioned design.

Anticipating the question - I bought it at auction for 3,500 rubles, somewhere the museum of old computers was disbanded, it was one of the last exhibits.

It can still be used for its intended purpose so far - for example, as an RS232 terminal, or for some technical programs. The interface itself does not slow down and works very quickly - so you can work comfortably, as far as possible with a keyboard of this size.

Update: Video on reader requests:

“OS boot speed? No, have not heard. "