Adam Osborne

Adam Osborne (March 6, 1939–March 18, 2003) was a British author, book and software publisher, and computer designer who founded several companies in the United States and elsewhere.

Computers

Osborne was known to frequent the famous Homebrew Computer Club's meetings around 1975. He was best known for creating the first portable computer, the Osborne 1, released in April 1981. It weighed 23.5 pounds (12 kg), cost US$1795—just over half the cost of a computer from other manufacturers with comparable features—and ran the popular CP/M 2.2 operating system. At its peak, Osborne Computer Corporation shipped 10,000 units of "Osborne 1" per month. For a time, it was a huge success.

Related Topics:
Homebrew Computer Club - 1975 - Portable computer - Osborne 1 - 1981 - CP/M 2.2 operating system - Osborne Computer Corporation

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It is said that in 1983, Adam Osborne bragged about two advanced new computers his company was developing. These statements destroyed consumer demand for the Osborne 1, and the resulting inventory glut forced Osborne Computer to file for bankruptcy on September 13, 1983. This phenomenon, a preannouncement of a new product causing a catastrophic collapse in demand for older ones, became known as the Osborne effect, but according to some new sources real reason for Osborne Computer bankruptcy were management errors.

Related Topics:
1983 - Bankruptcy - September 13 - Osborne effect

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After Osborne Computer's collapse, Adam Osborne wrote a best-selling memoir of his experience, with John C. Dvorak, which was published in 1985.

Related Topics:
John C. Dvorak - 1985

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