History

• The Osborne 1 shares some design qualities with the prototype Xerox NoteTaker machine developed in 1976 but never released.
  
  

Software

• The Osborne 1 was the first computer sold with third-party software, including the WordStar word processor and the SuperCalc spreadsheet.
  
  

Size

• The Osborne 1 folded into a case about the same size as a portable sewing machine, and weighed 24 lbs.
  
  

Problems

• The computer had a very small (13 cm) screen, and used single-density floppy disk drives that severely limited the amount of storable data. It had ran off main power, although a separate battery pack was available for purchase.
  
  

Commercial Impact

• The Osborne 1 was quite a popular computer for its time, selling 11,000 units a month at its peak. It suffered from the release of similar machines, such as the Kaypro II, that had larger screens and greater data storage capabilities.