Bizarre Laptops from the Past: A Retrospective
In recent years, we’ve witnessed the release of groundbreaking laptops that push the boundaries of what we thought was possible. From foldable devices like the ThinkPad X1 16 Gen 1 to the fully modular laptop-16″>Framework 16 gaming laptop and even a laptop with a glasses-free 3D display, we’re living in an era of unparalleled design innovation. However, this spirit of experimentation is not new; a look back at laptops from the 1990s and 2000s reveals a treasure trove of equally strange and conceptual machines.
The Mouse-Ejecting Marvel: HP OmniBook 800CT
In 1993, the HP OmniBook 800CT made waves with its unique pop-out mouse that could be ejected from the side of the laptop. Instead of the typical trackball or TrackPoint beneath the keyboard, users could press a button on the chassis to release the mouse and extend its ribbon cable for use. Apart from this quirky feature, the laptop was relatively standard, sporting a Pentium CPU, an 800×600 resolution display, and running Windows 95. YouTuber Retro Hack Shack provides an in-depth look at this device in the video above.
The Butterfly Keyboard: IBM ThinkPad 701
IBM’s ThinkPad 701C from 1995 featured a unique fold-out keyboard that would retract upwards like a butterfly’s wings when the lid was opened. This split design allowed for a larger typing surface while maintaining the laptop’s compact 4:3 aspect ratio screen. Although the concept was short-lived due to the growing popularity of wider screens, one modder managed to integrate a Framework Laptop motherboard into the IBM ThinkPad 701, keeping the original keyboard functional with modern hardware.