Editing IBM PC Convertible (section)

==Description==
The PC Convertible came in three models: PC Convertible, PC Convertible Model 2 and PC Convertible Model 3. The latter two were released in October 1987 and are primarily distinguished by their LCD panels. The original Convertible used a non-backlit panel which was considered difficult to read. The Model 2 lacked a backlight as well but upgraded to an improved [[Super-twisted nematic display|supertwist]] panel, and the Model 3 included a backlight.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |last=Howard |first=Bill |date=October 27, 1987 |title=On the road again: Three new laptops join the race |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jE2OlZ9PkrkC&q=ibm+pc+convertible+backlit&pg=PA168 |work=PC Magazine |pages=162}}</ref> The other hardware specifications are largely the same for all three models.

The CPU is an Intel 80C88, the [[CMOS]] version of the [[Intel 8088]] [[Central processing unit|CPU]]. The base configuration included {{val|256|u=KB}} of RAM, expandable to {{val|640|u=KB}}, dual {{val|720|u=KB}} 3.5-inch [[floppy drive]]s, and a monochrome, [[Color Graphics Adapter|CGA]]-compatible [[Liquid crystal display|LCD]] screen. It weighed just over 12 pounds and featured a built-in carrying handle, with a battery rated for 10 hours (4 hours in the backlit Model 3).<ref name=":0" />

The first model was introduced at a price of {{US$|long=no|1995}}, the Model 2 at {{US$|long=no|1395}} with 256K of RAM and {{US$|long=no|1900}} with 640K, and the Model 3 at {{US$|long=no|1,695}} with 256K of RAM.

The LCD screen displayed {{resx|80|25}} characters, but has a very wide aspect ratio, so text characters and graphics are compressed vertically, appearing half their normal height. The display is capable of {{resx|80|25}} text and graphics modes of {{resx|640|200}} and {{resx|320|200}} pixels.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bolat |first1=Alex |title=PC Portable |url=https://accesscomputer.ma/fr/pc-portable-maroc-%C3%A0-prix-pas-cher |access-date=16 April 2021}}</ref> 

The PC Convertible has expansion capabilities through a proprietary [[Industry Standard Architecture|ISA]]-based port on the rear of the machine. Extension modules, including a small printer and a video output module, were provided as plastic modules that snap into place. The machine can also take an internal [[modem]], but has no room for an internal [[hard disk]]. The concept and the design of the body was made by German industrial designer [[Richard Sapper]].

Pressing the power button on the computer does not turn it off, but puts the machine into "suspend" mode, which will hold the machine's state as long as battery power lasts, to save on boot time. The CMOS 80C88 CPU has a [[static core]], which holds its state indefinitely by stopping the system clock oscillator, and can resume processing when the clock signal is restarted as long as it is kept powered. The system RAM in the Convertible is SRAM rather than DRAM, both for lower power consumption and less circuitry to fit into the cramped laptop case.

Pressing a lever between the two floppy drives just below the display detaches the entire screen from the unit. This feature allows the use of a full-size desktop monitor while at one's desk, an early forerunner of the "docking station" concept, and similar to Apple's [[PowerBook Duo]].