Leading Edge Model D

Leading Edge Model D
Leading Edge Model D (dual floppy disk model)
DeveloperLeading Edge Hardware Products
ManufacturerDaewoo
Type
CPU
  • Intel 8088 at 4.77 MHz (early models)
  • Intel 8088 at 4.77 MHz or 7.16 MHz
Memory256 KB RAM (stock)

The Leading Edge Model D is an IBM clone first released by Leading Edge Hardware in July 1985. It was initially priced at $1,495 and configured with dual 5.25" floppy drives, 256 KB of RAM, and a monochrome monitor. It was manufactured by South Korean conglomerate Daewoo and distributed by Canton, Massachusetts-based Leading Edge.[1] Engineer Stephen Kahng spent about four months designing the Model D[2] at a cost of $200,000.[3] Kahng later became CEO of Macintosh clone maker Power Computing.

In August 1986, Leading Edge cut the price of the base model by $200, to $1,295, and increased the base memory of the machine to 512 KB.[4]

The Model D was an immediate success, selling 100,000 units in its first year of production. It sold well for several years, until a dispute with dealers forced Leading Edge into bankruptcy in 1989.[5]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference freeze19851216 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ John C. Dvorak (29 January 1986). "Inside Track". InfoWorld: 54.
  3. ^ "3.07: Follow the Money". Wired. 1995-07-01. Retrieved 2010-04-26.
  4. ^ Steven Burke (11 August 1986). "Leading Edge Cuts Model D Price by $200". InfoWorld: 16.
  5. ^ Dedrick, Jason (1998). Asia's Computer Challenge: Threat or Opportunity for the United States and the World?. Oxford University Press. p. 128. ISBN 0-19-512201-1.