Thorn Liberator (word processor) |
Manufacturer |
Thorn EMI Dynatel LTD. |
Processor type |
Zilog Z-80A |
Cycle time |
4 MHz |
RAM memory |
72 KB |
ROM memory |
32 KB |
Ports |
Two S5/8 serial ports and two expansion buses |
Operating systems |
CP/M |
Keyboard |
62 keys |
Modem |
add-on modem |
Screen size |
16 lines x 80 columns LCD |
Graphics resolution |
480 x 128 dots |
Dimensions |
11,6 x 10 x 1,4 inches |
Weight |
3,7 lbs |
Power |
NiCad, giving 12 hours operation, or four AA cell giving 16 hours |
Peripherals |
External RAM expansion bus, Printer |
Price, £ (year) |
567 (1985) |
Hi, I was known as the Liberator Lady. I worked with the Liberator from just before it’s launch in 1985, until it ended in about 1987.
The Liberator had an add-on modem or acoustic coupler for use with the communications cartridge.
While it started it”s life at Dynatel, it moved to Thorn EMI Datatech Ltd, based in Feltham.
It was built to a Government spec and sold primarily to Civil Service departments, enabling users to work on the move. It is now heralded as the first British laptop.
Curiously, the Liberator was one of extremely few keyboards to use RAFI’s RS 74 M mechanical keyswitches. Normal keyboards used RS 76 M with 4 mm travel, while the Liberator saved a bit of space with the 2.5 mm travel version. (The Liberator photos on the Register unintentionally show what keyswitches it uses.) I have a Neve Necam keyboard (also British), which is also RS 74 M.