ZENITH DATASYSTEMS Model ZFL-171-82

Circa 1985

A portable IBM PC-compatible computer. It was marketed as a "luggable" computer for professionals who needed to work away from a fixed-desk setup. It was designed to offer full computing functionality and comprised of a built-in display, dual floppy disk drives, and a full keyboard—all combined into a form factor that could be easily transported. It is also often referred to as a "lunchbox" style portable computer.

Use Case:

Designed to offer full IBM PC compatibility and performance in a portable package for business users, government employees (it was purchased in large quantities by the IRS), and professionals on the move. Key features included:

• Compatibility with a wide variety of MS-DOS business software from the era.

• Facilitating remote communications using an optional internal modem and built-in terminal software.

• Acting as a portable office with integrated software tools like a calculator, phone directory, and appointment scheduler accessible via dedicated function keys.

(H-15.5cm x W-32.5cm x D-24cm)