GRiD 'Compass' laptop computer, 1982-1990

Made:
1982-1990 in Fremont
maker:
GRiD Systems Corporation
designer:
Bill Moggridge
GRiD Compass laptop computer, manufactured by the GRiD Systems Corporation, Fremont, California, United States, GRiD Compass laptop computer, manufactured by the GRiD Systems Corporation, Fremont, California, United States, GRiD Compass laptop computer, manufactured by the GRiD Systems Corporation, Fremont, California, United States, GRiD Compass laptop computer, manufactured by the GRiD Systems Corporation, Fremont, California, United States, GRiD Compass laptop computer, manufactured by the GRiD Systems Corporation, Fremont, California, United States,

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Buy this image as a print 

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

Buy

License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

License

Creative Commons LicenseThis image is released under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 Licence

Buy this image as a print 

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License this image for commercial use at Science and Society Picture Library

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GRiD Compass laptop computer, manufactured by the GRiD Systems Corporation, Fremont, California, United States,
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

GRiD Compass laptop computer, manufactured by the GRiD Systems Corporation, Fremont, California, United States,
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

GRiD Compass laptop computer, manufactured by the GRiD Systems Corporation, Fremont, California, United States,
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

GRiD Compass laptop computer, manufactured by the GRiD Systems Corporation, Fremont, California, United States,
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

GRiD Compass laptop computer, manufactured by the GRiD Systems Corporation, Fremont, California, United States,
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

GRiD Compass laptop computer manufactured by the GRiD Systems Corporation, Fremont, California, United States, 1982-1990

GRiD Compass laptop computer, manufactured by the GRiD Systems Corporation, Fremont, California, United States, 1982-1990.

A sleek and expensive computer, the GRiD Compass laptop computer was designed by Bill Moggridge. The folding clamshell design was patented by GRiD Systems and later became popular in laptop design. When the GRiD Compass first went on sale in 1982 it cost a minimum of $8000. It was designed to be portable and rugged and, though initially marketed at executives who could afford its high price, it went on to be used by the military. Notably in 1985 a Grid Compass was used on the NASA space mission STS-51-G.

Details

Category:
Computing & Data Processing
Object Number:
2013-57/1
Materials:
composites, electronic components, glass, metal alloy and plastic (unidentified)
Measurements:
overall: 55 mm x 300 mm x 380 mm, 5 kg
type:
personal computer
taxonomy:
  • furnishing and equipment
  • tools & equipment
  • computer
credit:
Donated by Paul Blitz