The collection is open for research.
Permission to publish material found on the floppy disks must be obtained from the original software publishers or their agents. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives (specref@vt.edu or 540-231-6308) for more information.
Researchers wishing to use the Osborne 1 should schedule an appointment in advance with the University Libraries' Data Transformation Studio. Contact information for the studio is available on their website: https://spaces.lib.vt.edu/dtstudio/.
Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: [identification of item], [box], [folder], Osborne 1 Microcomputer, Artifact.004, Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.
The collection was donated to Special Collections and University Archives in 2018.
The processing, arrangement, and description of the Osborne 1 Microcomputer commenced in August 2018 and was completed in September 2018.
The Osborne 1 portable microcomputer was first released in 1981. It was the first computer produced by the Osborne Computer Corporation and is generally regarded as the first commercially viable portable microcomputer.
Osborne 1 microcomputer, c. 1982, with boot disk for CP/M operating system, WordStar word processing software, Boardroom Graphics (Ver. 3.0) analytical software, and additional 5.25" floppy disks.
The computer includes the loop side of velcro fasteners where a magnifying device was previously affixed and a 3-prong to 2-prong electrical grounding adapter. There is a silver date label affixed near the handle with August 9, 1982 circled.
A repair tag from ComputerLand dated February 23, 1983 is affixed to the handle with a corresponding stub affixed to the computer casing. The stated work to be done is "Double Density 80+ Upgrade" for a price of US$480.00.
The guide to the Osborne 1 Microcomputer by Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech, is licensed under a CC0 (https://creativecommons.org/share-your- work/public-domain/cc0/).