Toshiba T1000

Facts

  • Type: Laptop computer
  • Manufacturer: Toshiba Corporation
  • Released: 1987
  • OS: MS-DOS 2.11 (built into ROM)
  • CPU: 80C88 @ 4.77 MHz
  • Memory: 512 kB RAM (expandable to 1.2 MB with optional card)
  • ROM: 256 KB
  • Graphics: CGA (16 kB RAM)
  • Audio: PC speaker (1 bit mono)
  • Storage: 1 x 720 kB 3.5″ FDD
  • Dimensions: 310 × 280 × 52 mm
  • Weight: 2.9 kg
  • Battery: Rechargeable NiCd pack (1300 mAh)

Released 1987: The Toshiba T1000 was a laptop computer manufactured by the Toshiba Corporation in 1987. It had a similar specification to the IBM PC Convertible, with a 4.77 MHz 80C88 processor, 512 kB of RAM, and a monochrome CGA-compatible LCD. Unlike the Convertible, it includes a standard serial port and parallel port, connectors for an external monitor, and a real-time clock.

Unusually for an IBM compatible PC, the T1000 contained a 256 kB ROM with a copy of MS-DOS 2.11. This acted as a small, read-only hard drive. Alternative operating systems could still be loaded from the floppy drive or RAM disk if present.

Along with the earlier T1100 and T1200 systems, the Toshiba T1000 was one of the early computers to feature a “laptop” form factor and battery-powered operation.

Reception
PC Magazine in 1988 named the Toshiba T1000 an “Editor’s Choice” among 12 tested portable computers. One reviewer called it “the first real DOS laptop” and a plausible replacement for his Tandy 200, while another praised its durability after 60,000 miles of traveling and “incredible bargain” $800 street price. BYTE in 1989 listed the T1000 as among the “Excellence” winners of the BYTE Awards, stating that it “takes portability to the limit … as self-contained as you can get and still have a real computer that can handle real-world workloads”. Noting that it was available for as little as $850, the magazine reported that “Many of us are in love with this one”. In the same issue, Jerry Pournelle praised it as a “little gem”. While acknowledging that it cost more than the TRS-80 Model 100 and NEC PC-8201, he believed that “you get quite a lot for the added weight and price”, and reported that “Many writers swear by the T1000. David Drake loves his”


My Toshiba 1000 – repair and upgrades

I’ve got this machine for free. The screen had died and was all black when powered on. I’ve connected the machine to a Commodore 1984 monitor and all seemed to work except for the built in screen. I’ve replaced all electrolytic capacitors, it was a really tight and difficult motherboard to work with. Screen works after this. It worked only for a few minutes, then froze. After this it continued to freeze at BIOS start screen. Later, I’ve cleaned and replaced one of the thicker capacitor with a smaller one that fitted better and measured for possible shortcuts, still no success. Much later again… I looked at it again and it worked all the time, no issues. I tested it for hours. I’m thinking it must have been something with the battery and the charge, well it’s working 100% now so.

T1000 on my workbench
My Toshiba T1000 running on my workbench.
Toshiba T1000

Remi Jakobsen


I'm collecting classic computers and video games, stretching from the 70's into the 90's. Restoration, history, usage ...


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2 thoughts on “Toshiba T1000

  1. Hei!

    Jeg har en T1200 som har virket OK tidligere. Sist jeg prøve var den helt død.

    Etter å hatt den tilkoblet et par uker, får jeg lys på skjermen noen sekunder før den dør. Batteriet er helt flatt, og tar ikke lading.

    Tror du at det er døde kondensatorer som her problemet på min maskin også

    Mvh

    Bjørn H 🙂

  2. Jeg kjenner ikke den modellen. Mulig den har lekket fra elektrolytt kondensatorene. De bør byttes og hovedkortet bør vaskes, som en start. Mulig den trenger fungerende batteri, + CMOS batteri for å huske innstillingene. Mulig f.eks. tantal kondensator har eksplodert og må byttes.

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