20 Classic Laptops and Computers from the 90s
In the 1990s, personal computers started appearing in homes and businesses around the world. This was a significant technology change. Companies are still working to make computers easier for more people to use and carry around. However, laptops and desktop computers from this age are still seen as symbols of progress.
- Tricia Quitales
- 7 min read
The 1990s were a turning point in personal computers. New technologies in that decade laid the groundwork for the digital era. Even though they aren’t as advanced as laptops and desktops today, computers from the 1990s were ahead of their time in terms of design, speed, and ease of use. They were the first machines that were neither too big nor too thin. From the groundbreaking PowerBook from Apple to the one-of-a-kind shape of the Toshiba Libretto, the 1990s had a massive range of machines that tech fans still enjoy remembering. This list looks at 20 famous computers and laptops from the 1990s that still impact how current tech is designed and works.
1. Apple PowerBook 500 Series (1994)
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One of the first laptops with an integrated trackpad was Apple’s PowerBook 500 line. This changed the way people used portable computers forever. It was thin and had a unique shape, making it feel like a modern machine ahead of time. It broke new ground in the laptop market and made the way for the sleek devices we use now.
2. IBM ThinkPad 701C (1995)
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Known for its unique “butterfly” keyboard, the ThinkPad 701C was a marvel of engineering. Its keyboard expanded outward to provide a whole typing experience. It was also one of the first laptops to feature an active matrix display, providing a crisp and clear image far beyond competitors. Because of how carefully IBM engineers worked on it, the butterfly keyboard has become one of the most recognizable parts of laptops.
3. Compaq Presario 1200 (1996)
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One of the first laptops on the market with a built-in CD-ROM drive was the Compaq Presario 1200. This showed how important multimedia is in personal computers. It had a full 15-inch screen, faster speed, and more storage space than many desktop computers at the time. It was a popular choice for users well into the late 1990s because it was well-built and had parts that could be upgraded.
4. Toshiba Libretto (1996)
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As one of the smallest laptops on the market at the time, the Toshiba Libretto innovated in making computers smaller. With a 7.1-inch screen and less than 2 pounds of weight, it was made for business people who needed something portable without giving up usefulness. Even though it was small, it had features like a full keyboard, which showed Toshiba’s dedication to innovation in ultraportable computers.
5. Sony VAIO PCG-505 (1996)
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Sony’s VAIO line changed how laptops were made, and the PCG-505 was one of the thinnest and nicest-looking laptops of its time. The PCG-505 was praised for having an apparent screen and strong processing power. It was made to appeal to tech fans and people caring about fashion. Sony was the first company to make laptops that were both stylish and good at what they did.
6. Dell Inspiron 7000 (1997)
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Better speed and a better look made the Dell Inspiron 7000 a huge step forward. It quickly became popular with work and home users because it had a 15-inch screen and the latest Intel processors. It was a big part of Dell’s rise to fame in the late 1990s because it could run programs and multimedia files.
7. Apple Power Macintosh G3 (1997)
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The Power Macintosh G3 was an essential step in Apple’s history. Its sleek and functional style made it one of the first desktop computers to have a PowerPC G3 processor, which made it better at jobs that required a lot of graphics, like editing videos. The G3 impacted Apple’s design philosophy, which finally led to the famous iMac G4.
8. Gateway 2000 P5-133 (1996)
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The Gateway 2000 P5-233 made a statement in appearance and performance with its unique cow-patterned packaging. Tech-savvy consumers found it appealing because it was known for its customizability and allowed them to replace different parts, including memory and storage.
9. NEC Versa M/90 (1995)
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One of the first efforts at producing a reasonably priced but powerful laptop for businesspeople was the NEC Versa M/90. Its modular design lets consumers swap batteries and storage components ahead of time. Those looking for a portable, high-performance machine found the Versa M/90 appealing because it could run Windows 95 flawlessly.
10. Packard Bell Multimedia PC (1996)
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Packard Bell was well-known for providing multimedia-centric PCs; their 1996 Multimedia PC changed the game. Equipped with a premium CD-ROM drive, sound card, and multimedia software, it was intended to be an all-in-one entertainment center. This machine exposed a large audience to the potential of home computing outside only word processing and spreadsheets.
11. Sharp Mobilon HC-4600 (1997)
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While technically a PDA, the Sharp Mobilon HC-4600 had computing power closer to a fully functional laptop than most devices of its time. It ran Windows CE, a stripped-down version of Microsoft’s desktop operating system, and featured a touch screen for input. The Mobilon’s compact form and versatility made it a precursor to the modern tablet.
12. Acer Aspire 1000 (1998)
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With features like a color TFT display and integrated speakers—rare in laptops at the time—the Acer Aspire 1000 was a powerhouse in a small, elegant design. Its Intel Pentium MMX processor made it perfect for multimedia and business purposes. The Aspire series became a pillar in consumer computing, thanks in great part to Acer’s meticulous design and performance attention.
13. HP Omnibook 800 (1998)
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Since the HP Omnibook 800 was among the lightest laptops in its class, it was distinguished for both performance and portability. For business customers on the go, it packed a punch with an Intel Pentium processor and a high-resolution screen despite its tiny size. Its rugged design was perfect for professionals who needed a machine that could withstand the rigors of travel.
14. IBM Aptiva (1994)
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For its day, IBM’s Aptiva desktop series had a neat, user-friendly design with a groundbreaking interface. Targeting small businesses and the home market, the Aptiva offered robust CPUs and various upgradeable options. Families and others looking for a basic, all-in-one personal computer found something there.
15. Compaq Armada 1700 (1999)
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The Compaq Armada 1700 series was one of the first laptops to offer a balance of portability and whole desktop-like performance. With a 12.1-inch screen and an Intel Pentium processor, it was a top choice for professionals who needed power in a small package. Its long-lasting battery and ergonomic design helped set a new standard for business laptops in the late ’90s.
16. Apple iMac G3 (1998)
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The Apple iMac G3 changed how desktop computers were made with its bright colors and clear glass. It was different from the gray boxes that were common at the time. It was one of the first computers with only USB ports, setting a new standard for connecting devices to computers. The G3 was a big hit immediately, bringing in a new group of Apple users.
17. Gateway 2000 Destination PC (1997)
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Gateway 2000 Destination PC was a powerful computer for home users that was made to play multimedia files. It was made for people who wanted to use PCs for entertainment, games, and video editing. It has a large hard drive and great graphics. Its interactive media center, like current all-in-one media stations, made it stand out.
18. Microsoft WebTV (1996)
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Even though Microsoft’s WebTV wasn’t really a computer in the usual sense, it did make it easy and cheap to connect your TV to the Internet. In addition to making surfing easier, it opened up the Internet to more people than ever before. After the WebTV system is released, people will try to bring web viewing to the living room again.
19. Tandy Sensation (1996)
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It was one of the first home computers to have a multimedia expansion slot for high-quality video and sound. Because Tandy focused on integrating multimedia, the Sensation was a good choice for home users who like to play games and watch movies. Even though it wasn’t very popular, the Sensation showed how multimedia was becoming more critical in desktop computers.
20. Fujitsu Lifebook P Series (1998)
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The Fujitsu Lifebook P Series was a small laptop that looked good and worked well. It was perfect for businesspeople and tourists. The P Series was outstanding for mobile use because its unique design made it immune to shock and had a long battery life. In the late 1990s, it was one of the best ultraportables because it was valuable and easy to carry.