At $999 USD ($2,543 in 2024), the 6.5-pound Tandy 1100 FD might have been the lightest laptop of the 1980s. This model was originally released in 1989 and based on the 8MHz NEC V20 processor, running Tandy’s version of MS-DOS 3.3, called Tandy Deskmate.
Featuring DeskMate’s TEXT application and DeskMate’s 90,000-word spell checker in ROM (Read-Only Memory), complete with one industry-standard 3.5-inch 720K disk drive that gave the 1100 FD more functionality than any other portable with the same drive, or even desktop systems
with dual 360K drives, at that time. It is powered by a removable, rechargeable battery good for more than five hours on a single charge. Users could have also purchased an optional 2400 bps (bits per second) internal modem for $999 ($509 in 2024).
- Purposeful Design: Travel with ease and look great doing it with the Aspire's 3 thin, light design.
- Ready-to-Go Performance: The Aspire 3 is ready-to-go with the latest AMD Ryzen 5 7520U Processor with Radeon Graphics—ideal for the entire family,...
- Visibly Stunning: Experience sharp details and crisp colors on the 15.6" Full HD IPS touchscreen display with 16:9 aspect ratio and narrow bezels.
The 1100 FD with DOS and DeskMate built-in may be the industry’s first ‘ideal solution’ for portable computer users who need PC compatibility but do not want the trade-off of a heavier weight, higher cost, larger size and shorter battery life,” said John V. Roach, Former Chairman and CEO of Tandy Corporation.
