So this is my IBM Personal System /2 Model P70 and it’s not quite a laptop, it’s actually known as a portable computer, luggable pc or as I like to call it the suitcase computer. This unit runs on AC power and does not come with a battery.
Rear ports and expansions slots
The P70 is unique as it actually uses a standard PC motherboard, it was designed by utilizing parts from IBM PS/2 systems and quite a few parts are interchangeable, plenty of room in this unit for upgrades with two expansions boards.
The P70 really was a high end computer at its time of release in 1988 and it is more closer to a server than a desktop.
My P70 is a 386DX-20 (20MHz), 4MB of RAM, 60MB DBA ESDI hard disk, 1.44mb Floppy and runs IBM DOS 5.0 and Windows 3.0, I actually found this P70 for $25 and to my surprise it is in absolute mint condition with no broken plastics and fully functional, funny enough when I checked out the details in Excel it was registered to “Campbell Soup Company” and it looks like it has some machinery line software installed.
The P70 boots into the OS in ~10 seconds!
The P70 has a very bright orange Plasma display, these displays became very common on Laptops and Portable computers during the late 80’s due to the high contrasts available compared to the STN LCD technology at the time. The P70’s display is very cool, it can be pulled out for an adjustable viewing angle.
My only complaint of this unit was the lack of a 16 pin serial but other than that it is a great unit.
Specifications:
| Processor | Intel 80386 DX @ 16 or 20MHz |
| Hard disk | 30 MB, 60 MB, or 120 MB DBA ESDI hard disk |
| Video adapter | Backlit Plasma grayscale VGA 640 x 480 display (16 shades of gray) |
| ROM | 128kb |
| Memory | 4 RAM, Upgradeable to 16MB |
| Floppy Drive | 1.44MB Floppy (720k compatible) |
| Expansion Slots |
Two internal, one full height and one half height |
| System Bus | 32 Bit |
| Operating System |
IBM PC-DOS 3.3 or OS/2 1.0SE |
| Year & Cost | RRP $4,995 when released in 1988 |
Helpfull Facts
• A lot of parts such as Hard Drive and RAM is swappable with desktop Model 70 components.
More Pictures
IBM Model P70 packed up
View from the back
Another View from the front
I am getting ready to destroy my working condition P70 until I saw your note. I am not out to sell it but to keep a working relic in play with ‘someone who cares” Your thoughts?
I have one of these I would like to sell. Any suggestions on how?
Hi Gene, I would recommend listing it on eBay or Facebook marketplace. Plenty of vintage PC groups that love old tech. The price will depend on its condition and if it’s working or not. Apologies for the late reply. I’m only just getting back to updating my website.