In 1972, Alan C. Kay of the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center proposed the creation of a portable personal computer that he called the DynaBook. Although his machine was never operational, his idea of developing compact computers lived on.

Earliest Model

According to Random History.com, the Osborne 1 became the first commercially-available portable computer in 1981. Although the bulky machine utilized only a small monitor and did not use batteries, it transformed the business world.

First Laptop

A device called the GRID Compass became the first commercially-available laptop. Introduced in 1982, it featured a folding flat-screen monitor and was capable of operating with batteries.

Compatibility Issues

Due to their incompatibility with IBM technology, the early laptops only enjoyed moderate commercial success. In 1986 and 1987, however, both IBM and Toshiba introduced products that sought to resolve this problem.

Apple Machines

In 1989, Apple released the Macintosh Portable. While this particular machine was too heavy and bulky to compete with other products on the market, that company's 1991 PowerBook series pioneered new laptop technology.

Windows 95

According to Random History.com, "the most significant event in the history of laptop computers was the release of the Windows 95 operating system ... ." Once introduced, Windows served to standardize most facets of laptop design.

Source:

Mprove.de: A Personal Computer for Children of All Ages

Random History.com: The History of the Laptop Computer

Laptops Tech.com: History of Laptop Computers