The Osborne 4, also known as the Vixen, was released in 1984 after the bankruptcy of Osborne Computer Corporation. It was seen as the replacement for the Osborne 1 and Osborne Executive computers.

Like the previous models, the processor is a Zilog Z80, backed up by 64K of RAM, and a 4K Rom. It used the CP/M 2.2 operating system, and came with a competitive bundle of software, which included the productivity software, WordStar, Super Calc, Mbasic, Osboard, Turnkey, Media Master, and a game called Desolation. The display is a 7-inch amber screen, and it has two 400KB 5.25-inch disk drives, able to use double-density, double-sided disks.

The main unit was priced at $1298, and had the optional 10MB external disk drive, for an extra $1495. When it was released in the United States, members of Osborne user groups were given first access to buying the computer, and were given a year's free membership to the First Osborne Group (FOG). User groups were believed to have been what kept the company going, and a good way to cultivate new fans.

Due to Osborne's bankruptcy, and technical problems with the prototypes, by the time the machine was released, it had been made irrelevant by the cheaper MS DOS,  IBM PC compatible portable machines.

One final attempt to produce IBM Compatible version prototypes arrived too late to save the company.

Dimensions: L 41.5 cm x H 16 cm x W 32.5 cm 

Manufacturer: Osborne
Date: November 1984

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH76853. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

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