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| Developer | NEC |
|---|---|
| Type | Laptop (notebook) |
| Release date | October 1988 |
| Introductory price | US$4,000 to US$5,000 |
| Operating system | MS-DOS 3.3[1] |
| CPU | NEC V30 at 4.92 MHz and 8.14 MHz |
| Memory | 640k RAM |
| Display | Supertwist electroluminescent backlit 8.25x4.25 LCD screen |
| Graphics | CGA compatible, 320x200x4 or 640x200x2 |
| Connectivity | built-in 2400 bit/s modem |
| Power | 12V |
| Mass | 4.4 lb (2.0 kg) |
The UltraLite is a line of notebook-sized laptops first released by NEC in 1988. The original model was released in October 1988, alongside the heavier and more-capable ProSpeed.[2] The UltraLite was the first notebook computer on the market compatible with the IBM PC.[3] The original model was based on the NEC V30 microprocessor; the computer includes MS-DOS 3.3 built into ROM.
PC Magazine featured the UltraLite on its cover in November 1988[4] and shortly thereafter journalists began referring to any A4-sized computer as "notebooks", to distinguish them from the larger and heavier laptops of the time.[5]
- ^ NEC Ultralite specifications, NEC FastFacts
- ^ Lewis, Peter H. (October 4, 1988). "Personal Computers: Slim Laptop Is Appealing at 4.4 Pounds". The New York Times. p. C12. Archived from the original on May 25, 2015 – via ProQuest.
- ^ Parker, John (June 3, 1991). "Notebook Computers Grow Up in a Hurry". Electronic Business. 17 (11). Reed Business Information: 60 – via ProQuest. Quoted in Bugra, Ayse, ed. (2011). State, Market and Organizational Form. De Gruyter. p. 235. ISBN 9783110800739 – via Google Books.
- ^ Front Cover:NEC's Incredible 4-Pound DOS Laptop, 1988-11-15, Volume 7 Number 19, PC Magazine
- ^ Lewis, Peter H. (August 21, 1990). "Notable Notebooks". The New York Times: C7 – via ProQuest.