Epson HX-20
Introduced:November 1981
Released1982
Price:US$795
Weight:3.5 lb / 1.6kg
CPU:Two Hitachi 6301 @ 0.614MHz
RAM:16K, 32K max
Display:20 X 4 text LCD
Storageoptional built-in tape drive
external cassette tape drive
Ports:RS-232, serial
OS:BASIC






If you're interested in "firsts", this is one of them. The Epson HX-20 can be considered the first so-called laptop computer.

Everything is included for a real portable computer - a full-size keyboard, an LCD screen, printer, storage device, built-in rechargeable batteries.

Harkening back to the old-days, the HX-20 has a built-in Monitor application for direct manipulation of the system memory.

Like practically every other personal computer of the 80's, Microsoft BASIC is also included in ROM.

Storage device? Yes, there is an optional on-board miniature cassette recorder ($135) for data storage, but the system here doesn't have it - there's a 'dummy' module instead.

Of course, an external cassette recorder can be used, as well as the optional TF-20 floppy disk drive.

Althought the screen is rather small - only 4 lines of text, 20 characters per lines, it is still useful for text applications.

The system bus on the left side of the HX-20 allows the addition of expansion modules, including additional RAM memory, analog I/O, etc. Seen below is the HX-20 with an expansion module, as well as the plastic Epson carrying case.



Related Links

  • Epson support
  • Download HX-20 programs
  • An HX-20 Enthusiast's Site
  • HX-20 from Oh no, not another computer museum!
  • Epson HX-20 computer from atarimagazines.com/
  • Epson HX-20 Consumable Products & Manuals from Star Technology


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