Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Atari Portfolio

The Atari Portfolio is a handheld released by in June 1989, recognized as the world's first compatible with the PC architecture. Designed by DIP Research—a firm founded by Ian Cullimore, David Frodsham, and Peter Baldwin—the device measures approximately 200 mm × 100 mm × 28 mm and weighs about 450–500 grams, resembling the size of a cassette, with a clamshell that includes a full and a LCD capable of showing 40 characters across 8 lines (240 × 64 pixels ). Powered by an Intel 80C88 processor clocked at 4.92 MHz, the Portfolio features 128 of and 256 of , running a variant of called DIP DOS 2.11, which supports standard PC software and batch files. Built-in applications include a compatible with formats like , a Lotus 1-2-3-compatible , an with touch-tone dialing via its built-in speaker, a with alarm functions, and a , all optimized for personal productivity on the go. It draws power from three AA batteries, offering up to of operation, with memory preservation during battery changes, and includes expansion options such as credit-card-sized / cards (up to 640 total), a 60-pin bus for peripherals like modems or interfaces, and an serial port for data transfer to PCs. Priced at around $399.95 upon launch, the Portfolio targeted business users seeking portable computing before the rise of modern PDAs, though its limited battery life for intensive tasks and requirement for familiarity constrained its mainstream adoption. Notably, it appeared as a prop in the 1991 Terminator 2: Judgment Day, boosting its cultural visibility, and remains collectible today for its pioneering role in , with enthusiasts exploring hardware modifications like upgrades.

Development and History

Origins and Development

The Atari Portfolio originated from efforts by DIP Research Ltd., a company based in , , , to develop the world's first MS-DOS-compatible palmtop computer aimed at business professionals for tasks like scheduling and data management. The firm was founded by three former employees—David Frodsham, Ian Cullimore, and Peter Baldwin—whose initials formed the company name, with a focus on creating compact, low-power hardware capable of running PC software. Ian Cullimore contributed significantly to the project's technical foundation, including the design of the PC-compatible ROM and a lightweight clone operating system. DIP's prototype designs evolved around a clamshell to house the and in a portable package, integrating full PC compatibility from the outset to support standard applications and peripherals. The initial prototype, known as the DIP , emphasized battery efficiency and expandability, drawing on innovations in ultra-low-power systems to enable extended use on standard batteries. In 1989, DIP Research Ltd. signed a licensing agreement with , transferring manufacturing and global distribution rights to Atari while retaining design ownership. Atari refined the for mass production, optimizing the hardware for reliability and cost-effectiveness without altering the core compatibility or . The development process advanced rapidly from early 1989 to finalization by mid-year, enabling the device's commercial launch in June 1989.

Release and Marketing

The Atari Portfolio was released in June 1989, marking Atari Corporation's entry into the emerging palmtop computing market. Developed under license from British firm DIP Research Ltd., the device began shipping to U.S. markets shortly thereafter, with initial availability expanding internationally by late summer. Priced at US$399.95 upon launch, the Portfolio was positioned as an accessible option for business executives seeking a compact computing solution. Atari's marketing campaign highlighted it as the "world's first notebook-sized MS-DOS computer," underscoring its portability—comparable in size to a VHS cassette—and full compatibility with IBM PC software and peripherals, allowing users to run standard MS-DOS applications on the go. Promotional efforts targeted professionals, emphasizing battery life of up to six weeks and the ability to interface with desktop systems via expansion cards. Distribution focused primarily on and , where it was sold through electronics retailers and computer outlets. In certain European markets, including , , and , it was rebranded as the "PC Folio" to align with local for PC-compatible devices. The product saw limited variants in and keyboards to accommodate regional preferences, such as QWERTZ layouts for users. Production and sales continued through the early 1990s but were hampered by Atari's broader financial difficulties, including mounting losses from ventures like the handheld console. The was discontinued in 1993 as Atari shifted resources away from personal computers toward its gaming console, amid a favoring larger, more powerful laptops over palmtops. reflecting its niche appeal despite innovative design.

Design and Hardware

Physical Design

The Atari Portfolio employs a reminiscent of a compact , measuring 20 × 10 × 2.8 cm when closed and weighing about 450–500 grams, making it highly portable for on-the-go use. This allows it to fit easily into a or , emphasizing its role as the world's first palmtop computer. The device features a durable plastic casing with a hinged lid that safeguards the LCD screen during transport, while enabling the display to adjust up to 180 degrees for flexible viewing positions. The prioritizes robustness without excess bulk, though the reflective screen surface can cause glare in bright environments, and the absence of a limits visibility in low-light conditions. Power is supplied by three standard batteries, delivering over 50 hours of continuous or up to 6 weeks of typical intermittent use depending on usage intensity, with no built-in rechargeable option available in the base model; an optional can be used for extended sessions. This battery configuration supports the Portfolio's emphasis on portability, though users must plan for frequent replacements during prolonged activity.

Processor and Memory

The Atari Portfolio featured an 80C88 processor, a variant of the 8088 , clocked at 4.9152 MHz. This design choice provided full compatibility with PC software, allowing the device to run text-based applications and productivity programs that fit within its memory constraints. The system included 128 of user-accessible dynamic , which supported application execution and , though approximately 104 was typically available after allocating space for an internal disk (C: drive). Complementing this was 256 of (), which housed the operating system, , command shell, and built-in applications. The base unit's memory architecture did not support internal expansion, relying instead on external BeeCard slots for additional storage via memory cards ranging from 32 to 4 MB, though the expansion bus architecture limits total usable to 640 . The low-power CMOS implementation of the 80C88, combined with efficient power management in the system's components, allowed the Portfolio to operate on three AA batteries for up to 6 weeks under typical light usage, a significant achievement for a PC-compatible portable device in 1989.

Display and Input

The Atari Portfolio utilized a supertwist (LCD) with a of 240 × 64 pixels, enabling it to show up to 40 characters across 8 lines in . This display produced blue text on a gray background for enhanced readability, though it lacked a and relied on ambient light, with the screen tilting up to 180 degrees for optimal viewing angles. The hardware supported both text and basic graphics modes, but the interface emphasized text-based output due to the era's limitations in portable computing. User input was handled primarily through a compact 63-key , featuring a standard layout with an integrated and dedicated function keys (F1–F10) for quick access to built-in applications and commands. The keys provided positive tactile feedback with an audible click that could be disabled, and separate cursor facilitated navigation, including dedicated , End, Page Up, and Page Down functions embedded within the cursor cluster. Contrast adjustment for the display was accessible directly via the , allowing users to fine-tune visibility based on lighting conditions. There was no support for touch input or alternative pointing devices, aligning with the device's focus on keyboard-driven interaction. Connectivity for external devices was provided through a built-in 60-pin expansion bus, which supported a parallel interface adapter for connecting printers and a serial RS-232C adapter for modems or data transfer at up to 19,200 baud. Usability was enhanced by power-efficient design elements, including configurable screen refresh options that prioritized battery conservation—typically lasting 30–40 hours of normal use or up to 6–8 weeks intermittent on three batteries—while maintaining a large, easy-to-locate cursor for efficient text editing and menu traversal.

Software and Operating System

Operating System

The Atari Portfolio's operating system, known as DIP DOS 2.11, is a customized variant of 2.11 developed by DIP Research Ltd. and tailored specifically for the device's constrained 128 KB and palmtop form factor. This adaptation strips down non-essential features to optimize performance on the limited hardware, while retaining core functionality for command execution and file operations. The OS is embedded in the 256 KB , enabling efficient operation without reliance on for booting or basic tasks. Upon powering on, DIP DOS loads directly from ROM, bypassing the need for floppy disks or hard drives typical of contemporary PCs. It presents a command-line interface familiar to MS-DOS users, supporting standard commands like DIR, CD, COPY, and PATH, but initializes with an auto-run menu that allows quick access to built-in applications or direct entry into the DOS shell. This streamlined boot process ensures rapid startup, often within seconds, and integrates seamlessly with the device's keyboard for navigation. DIP DOS offers broad compatibility with IBM PC software, particularly text-based MS-DOS 2.x applications that do not require direct hardware access or exceed the Portfolio's memory limits; however, graphical or full-screen programs are unsupported due to the device's 40x8 character LCD display. The file system is FAT-compatible, utilizing a configurable RAM disk designated as drive C: for internal storage (initially 32 KB, expandable via configuration), while Bee Cards—proprietary expansion memory cards—are mounted as drive A: and formatted with standard DOS FAT for file transfer and storage up to several megabytes. Unique to DIP DOS are integrated power management features suited to the Portfolio's battery-powered design, preserving data in even when the unit is powered off (with wake-up alarms functioning in this state), and ensuring memory retention during battery replacement without . These elements enhance portability while maintaining operational reliability.

Built-in Applications

The Atari Portfolio came pre-loaded with a suite of five built-in (PIM) applications stored in its 256 KB , providing essential productivity tools for users without needing external software. These applications—Diary, , Worksheet, , and —were designed for quick access via hotkeys or the menu system and shared the device's 128 KB for and operation. The suite emphasized portability and compatibility with desktop systems, allowing file exchange with PC, Macintosh, and ST computers through supported formats. The , also known as the , enabled appointment scheduling on a comprehensive calendar interface with programmable alarms to alert users at set times. It supported daily, monthly, and yearly repeating entries, along with views for individual days or broader overviews, making it suitable for managing schedules on the go. Data storage for entries was constrained by the Portfolio's 128 KB , limiting the total volume of appointments and notes to approximately 128 KB across all applications, though users could expand capacity with memory cards. The , functioning as a basic or notebook, allowed users to create and edit memos, letters, and documents with features like cut-and-paste operations via a clipboard and string search functionality. It supported compatibility with text files from various platforms, enabling import and export to formats usable on IBM-compatible systems, Macintosh, or ST computers for seamless data transfer. The editor handled straightforward formatting but was optimized for the device's 8-line by 40-character display, prioritizing efficiency over advanced layout options. The provided spreadsheet capabilities compatible with , supporting up to 127 columns and 255 rows for data entry and analysis. Users could perform basic calculations using formulas such as and AVERAGE, along with reading and writing .WKS files to facilitate integration with desktop spreadsheet software. This made it useful for simple financial tracking or data tabulation, though the limited restricted the complexity of larger models without expansion. The , serving as a cardfile or database tool, acted as an address book for storing and managing contacts, including hundreds of names, addresses, and phone numbers. It offered sorting by fields, retrieval via category searches (e.g., querying specific types like restaurants), and a built-in tone dialer for direct calls from touch-tone phones. The offered a full range of functions including , power, and root calculations, with multi-display formats and five memories for basic and advanced computations. Beyond the built-in suite, the Atari Portfolio's compatibility enabled support for third-party software ports, including adapted versions of for enhanced word processing and for database management, which allowed users to access and exchange files created on the device with full PC applications. These ports, developed post-release, expanded the Portfolio's utility for more demanding PIM tasks while maintaining file interoperability.

ROM Updates

The Atari Portfolio featured several firmware revisions during its production, with four major versions released between 1989 and 1992. The initial production release was version 1.030 in June 1989, followed by 1.052 and 1.072, the latter being the most common variant among surviving units. The final version, 1.13X, was issued in 1992 and included variants for different language sets, where the "X" suffix indicated the localization (e.g., 1.130 for English, , and ; 1.131 for English, , and ). Firmware updates were not field-upgradable, as the device used non-flash EPROMs; users were required to mail their units to for free ROM swaps to receive newer revisions. also distributed software patches via ROM cards, such as the UPDATE.COM files for versions 1.04, 1.07, and 1.130, which addressed bugs in the built-in applications and OS, including editor lockups with certain file formats and memory-related issues. These revisions primarily focused on improving -software integration, with later versions enhancing compatibility for international markets and larger memory expansions like Bee Cards. For example, version 1.13X incorporated localizations and fixes for functions, while earlier updates like 1.05 targeted responsiveness and memory leaks in base applications.

Variants and Accessories

Product Variants

The Atari Portfolio was produced in several model variants, primarily differentiated by regional layouts and associated configurations to support local languages and input standards. These variants shared the core specifications, including the 80C88 , 128 (except the HPC-011 with 512 ), and 256 , with no significant changes to the physical chassis or power circuitry across models. The model codes, prefixed with "HPC-", indicated specific adaptations for international markets, and production occurred without major revisions beyond these regional tweaks. Key variants included the HPC-003 with BIOS version 1.052; the HPC-004, equipped with a standard English and version 1.056 (some with 1.052 or 1.072 and ), which served as the base model for English-speaking markets like the and . The HPC-005 featured an layout for users, paired with 1.130. Similarly, the HPC-006 used a layout for German-speaking regions, including , , and parts of , also running 1.072. Other European adaptations encompassed the HPC-007 for Italian markets (branded as Atari PC Folio with 1.130), HPC-008 for users (BIOS 1.130), HPC-009 for Swedish and Danish layouts ( 1.130), HPC-010 for Swiss multilingual support covering and ( 1.130), and HPC-011 with 512 KB and 1.130. These differences ensured with local typing conventions, while variations briefly incorporated language-specific elements like localized application interfaces, as detailed in subsequent updates. Packaging and branding also varied by region to align with local distribution; for instance, early units were marketed under the name with English manuals, whereas Italian versions used the Atari PC Folio branding and included Italian-language documentation. A limited Portfolio Development Kit, released in , bundled the HPC-004 model with two 128 KB memory cards, a parallel interface, , manuals, emulator software, and one year of , targeted at developers rather than general consumers. Overall production spanned from to , manufactured by Sugiyama in , with all variants maintaining identical core specs and relying on the same 3 power system supplemented by a 9V DC external adapter.

Expansion Options

The Atari Portfolio featured a dedicated slot on its left side for Bee Cards, which were SRAM-based removable memory cards developed by Plastics for file storage and expansion. These cards came in capacities of 32 KB, 64 KB, and 128 KB, with data retained via an onboard lasting approximately two years; later third-party adaptations allowed capacities up to 4 MB. Bee Cards were compatible with PCMCIA slots through specialized adapters, enabling integration with modern retro computing setups. Peripherals expanded the Portfolio's connectivity via its 60-pin expansion bus on the right side, supporting modules like the HPC-101 Smart Interface for direct printing to Centronics-compatible printers and the HPC-102 Interface for RS-232C connections at speeds up to 9600 . The serial interface facilitated data transfer to PCs using cables, while the parallel port supported direct protocols. ROM cards plugged into the expansion slot to add specialized software, such as the HPC-750 Chess card for or the HPC-702 Finance Manager for financial calculations. Power accessories included the official (model C103600-001), which connected to the external power jack to supply 5V and serve as a battery eliminator for prolonged use without relying on internal NiMH . Third-party options were limited in the 1990s but included modems connected via the for dial-up access, turning the Portfolio into a compact , and printer interfaces for broader compatibility; examples encompassed acoustic couplers and basic modems powered by the device itself. The HPC-104 Memory Expander+ provided an additional 256 KB of via the bus, tripling base memory for demanding tasks.

Reception and Legacy

Commercial Reception

The Atari Portfolio launched in June 1989 at a price of $399.95, entering a burgeoning market for portable computing devices amid growing demand for laptop and handheld systems that could complement desktop PCs. It was praised for its exceptional portability, fitting into a VHS tape-sized form factor while offering full IBM PC compatibility via MS-DOS 2.11, allowing it to run standard PC software and transfer files efficiently at 9600 baud. However, reviewers noted significant limitations, including its small 40x8 character monochrome LCD screen, which proved inadequate for tasks like spreadsheets, and its 128 KB RAM (with only 96 KB usable), restricting more demanding applications and lacking support for hard drives or larger storage beyond expensive RAM cards. Contemporary reviews highlighted its strengths in PC compatibility and value. In a February 1990 issue of Portable Computing, the device was described as "a useful computer that's small enough and cheap enough to carry everywhere," emphasizing its battery life and built-in productivity applications. Popular Electronics echoed this in the same month, calling it "the most competitive system available for portable computer users in terms of price versus performance," even if heavier alternatives existed. These accolades focused on its role as an affordable entry into palmtop computing, though the absence of a backlight and the tiny 63-key keyboard required user adjustment. Sales initially showed promise, approaching 100,000 units worldwide by spring 1990, driven by adoption among business professionals for (PIM) tasks such as scheduling, address books, and light data entry in fields like and . Yet, overall volume remained modest due to Atari's strategic shift under toward consumer consoles like the and , diverting resources from PC peripherals, as well as stiff competition from more advanced palmtops like the Psion Series 3 and Hewlett-Packard's HP 95LX, which offered better expandability and displays starting in 1991. After Atari discontinued the device in 1993, the original designer DIP Research continued production and sales under the name DIP , primarily in , extending its market presence into the mid-. To boost demand, Atari reduced the price to $299 by 1991, but the device was discontinued in 1993 as Atari refocused exclusively on gaming hardware. By the early 1990s, it was overshadowed by emerging devices running advanced operating systems, including precursors to Windows CE, which provided greater integration with desktop environments.

Cultural Impact

The Atari Portfolio gained notable visibility through its appearance in the 1991 film , where the character , played by , uses the device to hack an machine and crack a security PIN via a connection. This cinematic depiction showcased the Portfolio as a cutting-edge tool for portable computing, embedding it in as a symbol of 1990s technological ingenuity despite the device's 1989 release. In contemporary media, the Atari Portfolio was frequently covered in 1989 tech press as a breakthrough in personal computing, blending the portability of electronic organizers with PC compatibility. Publications highlighted its and pocket-sized form, which drew public fascination for miniaturizing full computing capabilities. As the world's first IBM PC-compatible palmtop, it marked a pivotal step in portable device evolution, influencing later models such as the Series 3 with its emphasis on clamshell and integrated productivity tools. The Portfolio's cultural legacy endures as an emblem of 1980s trends, representing the era's push toward shrinking desktop into everyday carry devices that bridged advanced calculators and early laptops. Today, it holds collectible value among retro enthusiasts for its pioneering role in handheld , often featured in exhibits and retrospectives that underscore its transitional significance without receiving major contemporary awards.

Modern Perspective

In the collector's market as of 2025, working Atari Portfolio units typically fetch $100 to $300 USD on , depending on condition and included accessories like memory cards. Dedicated online communities, including the Atari Portfolio subforum on AtariAge, play a key role in preserving the device's legacy by sharing software archives, repair guides, and user experiences. Emulation has enabled continued access to the Portfolio's MS-DOS-compatible environment, with adaptations using allowing its built-in applications and custom programs to run effectively when CPU cycles are set to match the original 4.77 MHz processor speed. Custom ROM dumps, manuals, and related software have been archived on the since the early , facilitating preservation without reliance on physical hardware. provides no official support for these emulation efforts or the original device. Recent analyses highlight the Portfolio's enduring appeal, such as a March 2024 Medium article that tested its functionality, including the keyboard, screen, and bundled applications like the and . An April 2025 review further examined its historical significance as the first , while demonstrating modifications to enable online connectivity through its expansion ports, such as adapting serial interfaces for modern networking. The Atari Portfolio is often underappreciated in personal history, overshadowed by later devices despite its innovations in portability and PC compatibility. Its serial and parallel ports present opportunities for maker projects, including hacks to interface with contemporary devices for data logging or applications. No new hardware revivals of the Portfolio have emerged by 2025, though it contributes to broader discussions on sustainable retro technology, emphasizing repairability and low-power design amid 2020s for pre-smartphone .

References

  1. [1]
    Atari Portfolio - The Centre for Computing History
    Processor ; 80C88, 4.9152 MHz Clock Speed ; Memory 128KB internal RAM ; Includes internal configurable RAM disk (C:) ; 256KB ROM contains applications software.Missing: handheld | Show results with:handheld
  2. [2]
    Atari Portfolio - System Source Computer Museum
    30-day returnsThe Atari Portfolio, released in 1989, was the first palmtop PC compatible with IBM PC, using an Intel 80C88 processor, and had built-in applications.Missing: handheld history specifications
  3. [3]
    MyAtari magazine : Portfolio Story 1 - Exxos Forum
    The size of a video cassette and weight of about 450g, the Portfolio was the smallest (but fully functional) computer in the world. In 1989, it cost about $400 ...
  4. [4]
    Atari - Portfolio - Mobile Phone Museum
    It was developed in the UK by DIP Research and was subsequently licensed to Atari. DIP was a company led by three former Psion employees with the first ...Missing: history origins
  5. [5]
    [PDF] Prof Ian Cullimore BSc PhD SYNOPSIS Computer Patent and other ...
    Licensed to. Atari as 'The Atari Portfolio'. Wrote PC-compatible ROM BIOS. Wrote MS-DOS clone o/s. Invented hardware and software ultra low-power systems.
  6. [6]
    Atari's Portfolio: the world's first palmtop - The Register
    Jun 7, 2007 · Even its name is reminiscent of that bygone arena - it's rather like the Atari Portfolio, the world's first palmtop PC, released in June 1989.
  7. [7]
    Time Capsule: The Atari Report - Fall 1989
    Feb 14, 1994 · Atari will market and distribute the product. The machine is ... launch of new products such as Atari's handheld Portfolio PC. Atari ...Missing: figures | Show results with:figures
  8. [8]
    Fascinating Look Back at the Atari Portfolio, a Palmtop PC from 1989
    Sep 6, 2023 · The Atari Portfolio, released in 1989, was a palmtop PC with a monochrome LCD, Intel 80C88 CPU, 128KB RAM, 256KB ROM, and built-in applications.Missing: handheld history specifications
  9. [9]
    Atari Portfolio computer
    Nov 13, 2017 · 1989. Price: US $399.95. Size: 7.5" x 4" x 1.25". 20cm x 10.5cm x 2.5cm ... The Atari Portfolio - world's first handheld/palmtop/pocket "PC".Missing: announced | Show results with:announced
  10. [10]
    Atari Portfolio | Encyclopedia MDPI
    Nov 7, 2022 · History. DIP Research Ltd. based in Guildford, Surrey, UK released a product in the UK called the DIP Pocket PC in 1989.Missing: origins | Show results with:origins
  11. [11]
    Atari Portfolio HPC-004 Palmtop. Tragbarer PC mit 64 Mb ... - eBay
    Atari Portfolio HPC-004 Palmtop. Betrieb mit 3 AAA-Batterien. Voll funktionsfähig-direkt einsatzbereit. Der Atari Portfolio (Atari PC Folio). See full ...
  12. [12]
    Atari Portfolio: Pioneering palmtop PC - The Silicon Underground
    Apr 22, 2024 · In 1993, Atari discontinued the Portfolio along with each of its ... Atari had $2 billion in sales. It went from being called the ...Missing: figures | Show results with:figures
  13. [13]
    The 68000 Wars, Part 4: Rock Lobster | The Digital Antiquarian
    Nov 27, 2015 · ... June 1989, July 1989, August 1989, September 1989 ... They released the Atari Transputer 1989. They released the Atari Portfolio 1989
  14. [14]
    Atari portfolio Details and specs - DOS Palmtop
    ... Weight: 505 gram (18 ounces) Special features: Parallel, serial, modem and ... Battery life - Dirt cheap. Cons: - Due to graphics mode barely compatible ...Missing: physical design construction
  15. [15]
    The Portfolio Computer - Atari Archives
    Jan 15, 1994 · ... Weight: 15.87 ounces with batteries Size: 7.8 x 4 .1 x 1.2 inches Power: 3 AA alkaline batteries or optional AC adaptor Options available ...
  16. [16]
    Atari portfolio palmtop computer. (Hardware Review) (evaluation)
    The Portfolio's screen is very readable and the large cursor is always easy to locate. It is capable of 240 x 64 pixel graphics.Missing: physical weight life construction
  17. [17]
    Atari Portfolio - MCbx - Old Computer Collection
    Atari Portfolio is a small PC with non-backlit LCD and keyboard. Its logic and software was designed in UK by DIP Research, but licensed to Atari.Missing: features carrying handle glare
  18. [18]
    [PDF] Atari Portfolio Brochure - Inverse ATASCII
    exchange between your computers. Power Supply. The Portfolio is powered by three alkaline. AA batteries (batteries.
  19. [19]
    Atari Portfolio - School of Computer Science - Carleton University
    The Atari Portfolio was the world's first palmtop computer, released in June 1989, featuring full IBM PC compatibility with an Intel 80C88 processor, 128KB RAM, ...
  20. [20]
    Atari Portfolio -.:: GEOCITIES.ws ::.
    Dimensions (mm) Weight (grams). 198 x 104 x 31 450. Special features. Five applications were stored in ROM: Spreadsheet (partly compatible with Lotus 1-2-3) ...
  21. [21]
    Atari Portfolio - Demozoo
    Atari did not develop the Portfolio itself, but instead acquired the licencing rights to the design from Guildford, Surrey, UK-based DIP Research Ltd., (who ...Missing: origins | Show results with:origins
  22. [22]
    Atari portfolio - Atarimuseum.nl
    The Atari Portfolio is a IBM PC-compatible palmtop PC, and was released by Atari Corporation in June 1989, making it the world's first palmtop computer.
  23. [23]
    [PDF] ATARI Portfolio - Inverse ATASCII
    The Portfolio is the size of a video cassette (VHS) and weighs less than one pound. (450 grams). The Portfolio provides a high degree of software compatibility ...Missing: weight | Show results with:weight
  24. [24]
    ATARI Portfolio - Old Machinery
    May 31, 2017 · The physical design is neat, somewhat confused around the hinge when ... Atari compares the size to a VHS-tape (a size comparison ...Missing: weight | Show results with:weight
  25. [25]
    Atari Portfolio - Derby Computer Museum
    The world's first “palmtop” computer. DIP Research Ltd. based in Guildford, Surrey, UK originally released it as the DIP Pocket PC in 1989 but soon after ...Missing: development | Show results with:development<|control11|><|separator|>
  26. [26]
    Portfolio - Best Electronics Atari
    Jul 20, 2025 · You should not let your Portfolio Ram Card batteries drop below 2.50 volts, below this amount of volts you will start to loose memory storage / ...Missing: weight | Show results with:weight
  27. [27]
    Treasure hunt
    ### Atari Portfolio ROM Versions Summary
  28. [28]
    Download (Portfolio ROM Fixes (UPDATE.COM) ) - idealine.info
    upd-104.zip, 1340, Update Version 1.04 ; upd-107.zip, 2107, Update Version 1.07 ; upd-113.zip, 25119, Update Version 1.130.Missing: revisions | Show results with:revisions
  29. [29]
    Atari Portfolio Newsletter June 2020 - AtariAge Forums
    Jun 2, 2020 · Battery life for continuous operation of the Portfolio alone is approximately 14 to 42 hours. For a system that also includes two Memory ...Questions about the Atari PortfolioWhat do you guys think about the "Atari Portfolio"?More results from forums.atariage.com
  30. [30]
    Atari Portfolio / Atari PC Folio / DIP Pocket PC - atarimuseum.de
    ... PC Folio und schließlich Atari Portfolio vorgestellt. Erste Modelle ... Der Computer besitzt bis zum Modell HPC-010 128 kB Arbeitsspeicher, der in ...Missing: keyboard | Show results with:keyboard<|separator|>
  31. [31]
    https://inverseatascii.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/atariportfolioiaperiphs.pdf
  32. [32]
    [PDF] Portfolio - im Atarimuseum
    The Portfolio Smart Parallel Interface can be used to: Print files from DOS or from the internal. Portfolio programs to a printer with a parallel interface port ...
  33. [33]
    Serial Interface (HPC-102)/Hardware/Commercial - Atarimax.Com
    See your Atari Computer Dealer or call (800) 443-8020. $79.95. Taken from: APB (Accessories * Peripherals Bulletin for the Atari Portfolio) Volume 1, Number 2.
  34. [34]
    [PDF] PART DESCRIPTIONS - Inverse ATASCII
    HPC-102. 79.95 Serial Interface. Expansion BUS to DB9. RS-232C compatible. Up to 9600 baud. HPC-104. 179.95 Portfolio Plug-In 256K Memory Expansion.
  35. [35]
    https://hackaday.com/2020/12/21/the-first-real-palmtop/
  36. [36]
    Time Capsule: The Atari Report - Spring 1990
    Feb 27, 1994 · ... battery life. The result is an extremely compact, versatile productivity tool. Corporations and businesses, big and small, are placing ...
  37. [37]
    PERIPHERALS; A Computer in the Hand . . . - The New York Times
    The Atari Portfolio has a list price of $399.95. A parallel interface, $49.95, transfers files between the Portfolio and an I.B.M.-compatible computer or ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  38. [38]
    The First Real Palmtop | Hackaday
    Dec 21, 2020 · Atari's Portfolio in 1989 and the Psion Organizer launched in 1986 ... DIPs second design licensed as Sharp PC-3000 were full CGA.
  39. [39]
    Atari Portfolio Vintage Computers & Mainframes for sale - eBay
    4.5 3K · Free deliveryExplore vintage Atari Portfolios like the Terminator and HPC-006 with unique features. Relive the nostalgia and shop our collection on eBay!Missing: units | Show results with:units
  40. [40]
    Atari Portfolio - AtariAge Forums
    The Atari Portfolio is a palmtop, IBM PC-compatible portable computer released by Atari in 1989, the world's first palmtop computer!
  41. [41]
    Atari Portfolio emulation
    Nov 22, 2020 · It also works relatively well under DOSBox (of course you have to set the proper CPU cycle speed), but it is meant to run under pure MS-DOS, ...Missing: archive. | Show results with:archive.
  42. [42]
    Atari Portfolio Manual 1989 - Internet Archive
    Feb 16, 2020 · Atari Portfolio Manual 1989 · Share or Embed This Item · Flag this item for · Atari Portfolio Manual 1989 · DOWNLOAD OPTIONS · IN COLLECTIONS.Missing: Technical Reference
  43. [43]
    Atari Portfolio from 1989, How Does It Work? | by Dmitrii Eliuseev
    Mar 23, 2024 · Only 4 years later, in 1989, a British company “DIP Research Ltd” released a “DIP Pocket PC.” According to Wikipedia, it was the world's first ...Missing: origins development
  44. [44]
    The Atari Porfolio, worlds first palmtop PC: Review and History
    Apr 11, 2025 · ... Atari. In this video we are going to look at this system and dive in its history. #atari #palmtoppc #portfolio #pocketpc #msdos My other 'Atari ...Missing: DIP Research Ltd origins development
  45. [45]
    Atari Portfolio: Going Online Like it's 1989 | Auvik
    Jul 19, 2022 · It was created by DIP Research under the name the DIP Pocket PC. DIP then licensed the machine to Atari who marketed it as the Portfolio.Missing: history origins development
  46. [46]
    Will Atari Ever Be Anything But a Nostalgia Brand Again?
    Dec 26, 2024 · This is nothing new for Atari, which seems to have mainly existed as a nostalgia brand since the death of the Atari Jaguar in 1996.Missing: Portfolio revival sustainable