The GRiD Compass II was released in 1984, and was the follow up to the original GRiD Compass, which was one of the first laptop computers, released in 1982. It was the first computer to use the clamshell design. The GRiD Compass was a rugged laptop with the casing made of diecast magnesium alloy, designed for use out in the field and in tough conditions.

One of the main buyers for the original Compass was the U.S. government, with NASA using them for space missions. The Compass series was the first portable computer to be used in orbit, first flying on the Space Shuttle Columbia. NASA continued to use the GRiD Compass II on space shuttle flights.

The GRiD Compass II was built around the Intel 8086 CPU with a 8087 math coprocessor. The 1129 model featured 512K RAM, 384K of fixed bubble memory, a built-in modem, and capacity for up to four ROM packs (up to 512K). It had a 6-inch electroluminescent display. When it was originally announced in June 1984 it was sold for $7,995, but was reduced to $7,195 when new models were introduced later that year.

Manufacturer: Grid
Date: 1984

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH25335. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

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