Kaypro 4

Summary

Kaypro began as a subsidiary of Non-Linear Systems, the electronic measuring-instrument manufacturer founded by Andrew Kay. From 1981, it developed a portable computer to compete with the Osborne 1. The Kaypro II of 1982 had a larger 9-inch green screen and a robust metal case, and soon overtook the Osborne.

The Kaypro 4 of 1984, also called “Kaypro 4 ‘84” to distinguish it from the older Kaypro IV, is a further development. Its Z80 runs at 4 MHz rather than 2.5 MHz, and two half-height double-sided drives replace the Kaypro II’s single-sided drives. It adds basic graphics and a built-in 300-baud modem. Like all 8-bit Kaypros, it has 64 KB RAM and runs CP/M. Bundled programs include WordStar and the Perfect software series.