Posted on August 31, 2018
Bondwell Model 8
In the early 80s, Bondwell Computers was known for producing luggable computers. With model 8 they released the first laptop style computer in 1985.
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Historic Overview
In the early 80s so called luggable computers formed the landscape. In order to carry the mobile office with you, you would typically carry around a huge bulky device weighting in at ten to twenty kilogramms.
During the mid 80s, portable devices appeared to become smaller and lighter in weight. The Bondwell Model 8 was one of these early device resembling more closely to a modern day laptop.
At some 5.5 kilogramms this device provided an intel 80C88 CPU at 4.77 MHz and a whopping 512 KiB of RAM. A single 720 KiB 3.5″ floppy drive served as mass storage. There was an extra port to connect a second floppy drive externally. They 80×25 colums character display was supported by an optional LCD backlight, providing good reading conditions in most situations.
The fulsize keyboard resembles closely to the old-style IBM keyboards of the time, providing a very similar haptic typing experience.
Specs
The PHINTAGE Collection currently holds a Bondwell Model 8.
| Vendor | Bondwell Computers |
| Model | Bondwell Model 8 |
| Released | 1985 |
| Original Streetprice | 1595 US$ in 1986 |
| Weight | 5.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 28.4 cm x 7.8 cm x 31.0 cm |
| Builtin Display | yes, LCD, 80×25 columns character mode |
| Builtin Battery | no |
| CPU | NEV V20 @ 4.77 MHz |
| RAM | 512 KiB |
| Storage |
|
| Network Support | no |
| USB | no |
| Video Output | yes, VGA |
| Other | 1 RS232, 1 Parallel Port, 1 External Drive Connector |
| Operating System | MS-DOS 3.2 |
| Overall Condition | like now |
| Restoration Parts needed | none |
Gallery
Coming soon.
Downloads
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Looking for a Bondwell model 8 user’s manual, preferably digital
Hello Richard,
You can find a copy of the User’s Manual for that device on https://lastin.dti.supsi.ch/VET/sys/Bondwell/PRO-8T/Bondwell-Manual.pdf