The first widely recognized portable computer was the Osborne 1 , made by Osborne Computer Corporation , founded by Adam Osborne, and released in April 1981.

Quick context

  • Earlier “portable” or suitcase-style machines existed, like the MCM/70 (1974) and IBM 5100 (1975), but these were niche and very heavy.
  • The Osborne 1 is generally considered the first commercially successful portable computer, which is why it gets the title in most histories.

So, for “what was the first portable computer called and who made it,” the most accepted answer is: Osborne 1, made by Osborne Computer Corporation (Adam Osborne).

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