The Epson PX-8 was a small laptop computer released in 1984.  It was moderately successful after price drops in the USA, and competed against the likes of the TRS-80 Model 100.

The PX-8 did not have any internal disk drive, instead allowing either memory to be partitioned into application memory and a RAM disk, or an external 64 KB or 128 KB RAM disk module to be attached (as our model has). The RAM disk module also had a backup battery for the RAM disk and an additional ROM (64 KB version only) cartridge slot. Data can be saved onto the built-in micro cassette tape drive.

The PX-8 had an 80 column by 8 line LCD display, which was monochromatic and non-backlit. It used an internal nickel-cadmium battery, and had a battery life in the range of 6-8 hours when using word-processing software.

Small ROM modules can be installed in the bottom of the unit which can including Wordstar, Supercalc, dBase II, and others. These ROM appear as drives to the operating system, and are accessed as such.

Epson PX-8
Released    1984
Price:    US $995
Weight:    5 lbs, 2.3kg
CPU:    Z-80 @ 2.45MHz
RAM:    64K, 128K max
Display:    80 X 8 text LCD,   480 X 64 graphics
Storage    micro tape-drive
Ports:    RS-232, serial
Audio in/out, bar code
OS:    CP/M 2.2 in ROM
Processor     CMOS Z80
Speed     4 MHz
RAM     64K
ROM     32K
Storage     Built-in micro cassette, Optional external 3.5 floppy drive, optional "RAM disk"
Expansion     Add-ons for RAM disk, modem, printer, etc.
Bus     Proprietary "serial" bus
Video     480x64 pixel LCD screen (built-in)
I/O     RS-232, Serial (bus), Parallel

Manufacturer: Epson
Date: 1984

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH13099. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.