IBM 5120
Encyclopedia
The IBM 5120 Computing System (sometimes referred to as the IBM 5110 Model 3) was announced in February 1980 as the desktop follow-on to the IBM 5110
Computing System. It featured two built-in 8-inch 1.2 MB
floppy disk
drives, 9-inch monochrome monitor, BASIC Programming Language, 32K RAM and optional IBM 5114 stand-alone diskette unit with two additional 8-inch 1.2 MB
floppy disk
drives.
Other computer data storage products were available from Core International, Inc
for these machines.
Aside from larger screen size and performance benefits over its predecessor, the IBM 5120 design incorporated several usability
advantages:
For its usability features and appearance, the IBM 5120 was recognized with two major industrial design
awards and described with terms such as ″clean, well thought out″; ″subtle detailing shows great care in execution″; and ″looks like quality″.
It was launched in 1980 as the lowest-priced IBM business computer to date. Depending on the options the overall system prices ranged from $9,340 to $23,990. To emphasize its office image IBM released in that same year 6 new programs: task inventory, billing, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and general ledger accounting.
In 1983, Core International introduced PC51, software that allowed 5100 Series computer programs written in BASIC to run unmodified on the IBM PC
and compatibles
under MS DOS.
IBM 5110
The IBM 5110 Computing System was the successor of the IBM 5100 Portable Computer.Three variations of the IBM 5110 were built:* IBM 5110 Model 1 .* IBM 5110 Model 2 ....
Computing System. It featured two built-in 8-inch 1.2 MB
Megabyte
The megabyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information storage or transmission with two different values depending on context: bytes generally for computer memory; and one million bytes generally for computer storage. The IEEE Standards Board has decided that "Mega will mean 1 000...
floppy disk
Floppy disk
A floppy disk is a disk storage medium composed of a disk of thin and flexible magnetic storage medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic carrier lined with fabric that removes dust particles...
drives, 9-inch monochrome monitor, BASIC Programming Language, 32K RAM and optional IBM 5114 stand-alone diskette unit with two additional 8-inch 1.2 MB
Megabyte
The megabyte is a multiple of the unit byte for digital information storage or transmission with two different values depending on context: bytes generally for computer memory; and one million bytes generally for computer storage. The IEEE Standards Board has decided that "Mega will mean 1 000...
floppy disk
Floppy disk
A floppy disk is a disk storage medium composed of a disk of thin and flexible magnetic storage medium, sealed in a rectangular plastic carrier lined with fabric that removes dust particles...
drives.
Other computer data storage products were available from Core International, Inc
Core International, Inc
Core International, Inc. commonly known as Core, was a multinational computer and technology corporation head-quartered in Boca Raton, Florida, United States....
for these machines.
Aside from larger screen size and performance benefits over its predecessor, the IBM 5120 design incorporated several usability
Usability
Usability is the ease of use and learnability of a human-made object. The object of use can be a software application, website, book, tool, machine, process, or anything a human interacts with. A usability study may be conducted as a primary job function by a usability analyst or as a secondary job...
advantages:
- Reduced 'footprint' requiring less desktop space
- Reduced glare on monitor, keytop and product surfaces
- Ease of handling/lifting based on bottom form treatment
- Reduced static loading in arms and shoulders due to keyboard palm rest
For its usability features and appearance, the IBM 5120 was recognized with two major industrial design
Industrial design
Industrial design is the use of a combination of applied art and applied science to improve the aesthetics, ergonomics, and usability of a product, but it may also be used to improve the product's marketability and production...
awards and described with terms such as ″clean, well thought out″; ″subtle detailing shows great care in execution″; and ″looks like quality″.
It was launched in 1980 as the lowest-priced IBM business computer to date. Depending on the options the overall system prices ranged from $9,340 to $23,990. To emphasize its office image IBM released in that same year 6 new programs: task inventory, billing, payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable and general ledger accounting.
In 1983, Core International introduced PC51, software that allowed 5100 Series computer programs written in BASIC to run unmodified on the IBM PC
IBM PC
The IBM Personal Computer, commonly known as the IBM PC, is the original version and progenitor of the IBM PC compatible hardware platform. It is IBM model number 5150, and was introduced on August 12, 1981...
and compatibles
IBM PC compatible
IBM PC compatible computers are those generally similar to the original IBM PC, XT, and AT. Such computers used to be referred to as PC clones, or IBM clones since they almost exactly duplicated all the significant features of the PC architecture, facilitated by various manufacturers' ability to...
under MS DOS.