Posted on September 7, 2018
Toshiba Libretto 50CT
The Toshiba Libretto was an instant smash hit when first released in Japan. But not soon after, this super-tiny portable computer was also released to other markets, where it’s found a strong following.
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Historic Overview
It premiered in Japan in 1996, then still equipped with an 80486DX4 CPU clocked at 75 MHz and nobody could tell it would become an instant smash hit: The Toshiba Libretto was the smallest ever computer at the time to come fully equipped and capable of running Microsoft Windows.
In 1997, Toshiba then released an updated Libretto to foreign markets, where it immediatelly gathered a strong following as well.
Reasons for this were manfold: It was small in size, not bigger than a typical paperback book. With some 850 gramms it was lightweight. It had a Pentium CPU, giving ample of power on the go. It sported 16 MiB of RAM and hard drives starting at 810 MiB.
And while not the first-ever computer this small in size (the HP 95/100/200 where in fact a bit smaller, but never near as powerful), it was truely the first ever to be as full-featured and compatible as this one, really delivering the promise of mobile computing to the user.
Capable of runing Windows 95 and up, the entire set of software was available on the go. Of course, one could take a regurlar notebook computer, but these were bulkier and heavier. In that respect, the Libretto clearly predates many of the later generations subnotebooks and ultra mobile computers, such as the Asus Eee PC 4G (701), the Sony Vaio VGN-UX280P UMPC or the GPD Pocket.
Toshiba also offered many accessories such as external floppy drives, external CD-ROM drives, port replicators and even entire docking stations. Using the latter, the Libretto could be used as a desktop replacement at home, while still exposing unveiled never seen-before mobile computing power on the go.
Specs
The PHINTAGE Collection currently holds a Toshiba Libreto 50 CT.
| Vendor | Toshiba Corporation |
| Model | Libretto 50CT |
| Released | 1997 |
| Original Streetprice | 4199 Deutsch Mark |
| Weight | 850 gramms |
| Dimensions | 21 cm x 11.5 cm x 3.3 cm |
| Builtin Display | Yes, 6.2″ Active Matrix TFT |
| Builtin Battery | Yes, 1.2 Ah |
| CPU | Intel Pentium P54C @ 100 MHz (originally a 75 MHz, this CPU was overclock by the previous owner) |
| RAM | 32 MiB |
| Storage |
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| Network Support | optional (via PCMCIA adapter) |
| USB | optional (via PCMCIA adapter) |
| Video Output | yes, via docking station or port replicator |
| Other | RS232, Parallel Port, PS/2 connectors, VGA via docking station or port replicator, extra PCMCIA slot available via docking station |
| Operating System | Windows 98 |
| Overall Condition |
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| Restoration Parts needed |
|
Gallery
Coming soon.
Downloads
There is currently no downloads available.
Hello!
I would like to purchase a Toshiba Libretto 50CT or a Toshiba Libretto 70CT.
Do you sell such models?
Thanks,
Pat McMahon, Ireland
Hello Pat
No, I’m not a seller myself, I only collect for my one purposes.
Cheers,
-GP
I have one working 100%, and I still use it today to work with Roland’s music software, which only works on Win 98