Year: 1987
Initial Price: $6,999, $16,036 in 2020
The Personal System/2 or PS/2 was IBM‘s third generation of personal computers. Released in 1987, it officially replaced the IBM PC, XT, AT, and PC Convertible in IBM’s lineup.
The PS/2 line was created by IBM in an attempt to recapture control of the PC market by introducing an advanced yet proprietary architecture. IBM believed its considerable market presence plus the reliability of the PS/2 ensured that the systems would sell in relatively large numbers, especially to large businesses.
“The IBM Personal System/2 Model 30 286 (IBM 8530-E21) is a new entry level 80286 version of the Model 30. It combines existing Model 30 function along with improved processor performance, 1.44MB diskette drive capacity and VGA graphics. The Model 30 286 utilizes the Intel 80286 processor and operates at 10MHz with one wait state to system memory. The IBM Personal System/2 Model 30 286 (IBM 8530-E01) is a single diskette drive, without a fixed disk drive, version of the Model 30 286. An optional 3.5-inch 20MB fixed disk drive feature (P/N 27F4969) is available”.
System characteristics
Microprocessor: Intel 80286 (16 bit)
Clock speed: 10 Mhz, one wait state
Coprocessor: socket for optional i80287 math coprocessor
Type of BUS: 16-bit
Total number of expansion slots: 3
Ports: PS/2 keyboard, PS/2 mouse, serial, parallel, video
Memory
Min/Max on system board: 512kb (expandable to 1,2,or 4MB)
Type of memory:
RAM: DRAM (PS/2 30-pin SIMM) 100-150ns w. parity.
ROM: 128kb w. MS BASIC-80
Cache: n/a
Physical description
Power supply: 90w, 110-220VAC switchable
Weight: 8.6 kg (19 lbs)
Dimensions (HxWxD): (102 x 406 x 397mm)
Mass storage
Drive bays: 2 3.5″ half-height
Floppy Disk
Size: 3.5 inch half-height
Capacity: 1.44MB
Hard disk
Size: 3.5 inch half-height
Capacity: Optional 20MB 80ms, 30MB 39ms, or 45MB
Access time:
Interface: ST-506 PS/2 model 25/30 connector
Display
Size:
Display type: Optional Analog CRT
Graphics modes supported: Integrated VGA Display adapter
Keyboard
Type: 101 key enhanced
Software
Operating system: IBM PC DOS Versions 3.30, PC DOS 4.0, OS/2 SE 1.1, OS/2 EE 1.1
Configurations
Various memory, diskette drive, hard drive, monitor, and keyboard configurations including;
8530-E01 – System unit 512kb, one diskette drives, keyboard.
8530-E21 – System unit 512kb, one diskette drive, one 20MB fixed disk, keyboard.
At some point I felt creative and I made some videos on installing Windows 2.0 and playing retro games on this machine.
