Hewlett Packard Model 85

The Hewlett-Packard HP-85, released in 1980, was a groundbreaking personal computer that exemplified Hewlett-Packard's innovative approach to technology. Compact and portable for its time, the HP-85 was equipped with a built-in 5-inch CRT display, a thermal printer, and a tape drive for storage, making it a self-contained computing system. Its compact design targeted engineers, scientists, and small business owners who needed powerful computational capabilities in a standalone unit. Unlike many contemporary computers that required external peripherals for basic functionality, the HP-85’s all-in-one design set it apart and made it particularly appealing for technical professionals.

Technical Capabilities

Powered by the proprietary HP-developed processor running at 625 kHz, the HP-85 utilized an operating system stored in read-only memory (ROM), ensuring quick boot times and ease of use. The computer featured a BASIC programming language interpreter, which allowed users to write and execute custom programs for calculations, data analysis, and even automation tasks. It had 16 KB of RAM as standard, expandable to 64 KB, which, while modest by today's standards, was sufficient for the computing needs of its era. Its innovative use of magnetic tape cartridges for data storage provided an efficient and reliable alternative to floppy disks, which were still in their infancy at the time.

Expandability

The HP-85 was also notable for its expandability and integration with Hewlett-Packard’s extensive range of peripherals and modules. Users could enhance the computer’s capabilities with plug-in ROM cartridges that added specialized functions, such as matrix calculations and advanced plotting. Additionally, the HP-85 could interface with HP’s suite of measurement and testing equipment, making it a favorite among engineers. Though its price tag of around $3,250 made it a premium product, its versatility and robust feature set secured its place as a pivotal early personal computer and a significant milestone in the evolution of computing.

HP-83

In 1982 Hewlett-Packard came out with a cheaper version of the HP-85 without the built-in printer and without the tape drive. This version was sold for almost $1000 less and was branded as the HP-83