Laptop History Explained [1975 to 2024]

We know laptops are more popular in today’s world than before. Do you know how a computer can transform into a laptop?

In today’s post, we will see the complete history of the laptop computer along with its evolution from 1975 to 2025 (till date). Also, let’s predict how laptop technology will change in the coming years.

First, let’s see who invented the laptop and what it is called.

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Who Invented Laptop in Which Year?

In 1968, American scientist Alan Kay was the first to create a portable computer, and its prototype is similar to the present-generation laptops. This portable computer is called ‘Dynabook’, which weighs less than 2 pounds.

Though it was the beginning of the change in computer technology, the device ‘Dynabook’ was not produced massively because of the people’s demand back then.

However, the concept of computer portability and its design inspired the coming generations.

When Did Laptops Become Popular?

Laptop technology was rapidly changed from the 1980s to 2000. For the first time in 1995, laptop sales went up to 10 million for the first time and by the end of 2000, the number went to 28.5 million.

Apple plays a key role in getting these in public. In 1989, Apple released its first portable MacBook. It won’t get much popular. After that, in 1991, Apple brought their second laptop ‘PowerBook’ to the market.

In the coming years, Apple will introduce new laptops with features like a 256-color screen and built-in ethernet port. This also motivates other companies to bring new featured systems into the market and the result is a spike in laptop sales.

This was a massive change that brought a revolution in computer technology. Later, companies started to design better quality laptops because of their demand in the market.

What Was the First Laptop Called?

Even though the concept existed before, Adam’s Osborne 1 was called the first laptop on the planet. This is because of its functionality and portability.

Let’s discuss more about Osborne 1 in the computer evolution section.

Laptop Computer Evolution

The evolution of laptop computers is not a one-night thing. So you need to consider that whatever year I’m not mentioning here, there is not much happening in computer history.

Of course, the computer engineers aren’t satisfied with what they have and are going on with their work on laptop evolution.

Here you’ll find the companies involved, people behind the products, launching dates, and places.

1975 – IBM 5100

Before 1975, a computer was not as portable as it is today. They are bulky.

IBM launched the first portable computer, IBM 5100 in 1975 which weighs around 50 pounds. It is available in 12 models having storage variations of 16K, 32K, 48K, and 64K. It costs between $8000 to $20000 then.

It is the second personal computer from IBM, after IBM 5150. The size of this portable device is slightly more than a typewriter. That’s why it is carryable even though it weighs high.

You may raise a question as to why the IBM 5150 is not considered a laptop. Because of the architecture and the portability the IBM 5150 does not come under laptop evaluation.

1980 – Epson HX 20 & R2E CCMC

After this launch, computer engineers were trying to develop computer technology. As a result, the product Epson HX-20 was launched in 1980, and the R2E CCMC Portal was launched in 1980.

1981 – Osborne 1

In 1981, Adam Osborne launched the fully portable computer in the architecture of a laptop. It weighs around 25 pounds (half of the IBM5100) with a price of $1795. Because of his invention, the computer was called Osborne 1.

Here is the image of Osborne.

1989 – Apple MacBook

Apple entered the laptop market in 1989 with its MacBook, but it was nothing special compared to the ones already available.

1991 – PowerBook

PowerBook is Apple’s second laptop with some unique features: a touchpad, 256 color display, built-in ethernet port, and more. All with the unique features, this PowerBook from Apple gave good competition in the market.

I personally like the Apple brand because of its performance and moreover the man behind the brand. Even in 2025, the Apple company won’t stop innovating new things like better security, air tags, best cameras, productivity apps, device syncing, cloud storage, and more.

From then on, computer technology changed a lot. Companies keep on improving technology. As a result, reduction in cost with performance improvement.

A lot of changes occur in laptops from then on. Let’s see some of the popular features of laptops.

Touch screen laptops to easily access and usage
360° screen rotation to watch movies and TV shows
Better trackpads to increase productivity
Gaming laptops, especially for gamers
Build-in camera, microphone, and speakers
And a lot more…

No matter which company got the patents for the laptop technology evolution, this tech is useful to all of us.

There is a lot of tough competition in the laptop market. That’s a good sign for us to get better products at an affordable price range.

Here in the evolution of computers, we can’t give credit to one particular one. By collecting all their knowledge and time, it is possible for us to use our computers like this efficiently and conveniently.

Conclusion

This was what happened in laptop history from 1975 to 2025. Hope you’ll find all the required information that you need.

Today, a laptop is much preferred to a desktop because of its unique advantages. Don’t know how useful a laptop is. Well, here is a guide for you to explain all the best uses of a laptop.

If you are a student or any working professional, I strongly recommend you to have a laptop because of its unique advantages. You can learn a lot of things with your laptop and be the best in your studies and work.