Seequa Chameleon

Seequa Chameleon

[Vin135]

The Seequa Chameleon is notable as one of the first dual-processor luggable computers, released in 1983 with both a Zilog Z80 for CP/M compatibility and an Intel 8088 for IBM PC-compatible MS-DOS operation, enabling it to run software from both ecosystems in one machine. Its claim to fame lies in this “twice the computer” capability, blending portability with dual OS support at a time when IBM dominated the market with expensive proprietary systems. Though innovative, it was not a commercial success and remained a niche product, recognized more as an early example of portability and versatility.

• Manufacturer: Seequa Computer Corporation, based in Annapolis, Maryland.
• Type: Luggable (portable) computer
• Release Date: 1983
• Cost at release: ~$6,850 (adjusted for inflation)
• MIPS: 0.33-0.75 (330-750 KIPS)

Hardware Specifications

• CPU: Dual CPUs:
  • Intel 8088 running at 4.77 MHz (IBM PC compatible)
  • Zilog Z80 running at 4 MHz (CP/M compatible)
• Memory: Typically 128 KB RAM standard, expandable (exact max varies by model)
• Display: Built-in 9-inch green phosphor CRT screen, capable of 80×25 text display
• Storage: Optional internal 10 MB hard drive, external floppy drives supported
• Keyboard: Full-sized detachable keyboard with numeric keypad
• Expansion: External expansion chassis (reported, with 8 slots for peripherals)
• Software: Included Perfect Writer word processor and Perfect Calc spreadsheet; compatible with MS-DOS and CP/M software
• Weight: Approximately 28 pounds (13 kg)
• Input/Output Ports: Serial, parallel ports, modem capability depending on configuration

Operating System & Programming Languages

• Operating System: dual operating systems: it ran both MS-DOS on the Intel 8088 processor and CP/M on the Zilog Z80 processor, leveraging its unique dual-processor design to support software from both ecosystems.
• Supported Languages:
  • BASIC (including Microsoft BASIC or M-BASIC-86)
  • Assembly language for both Intel 8088 and Z80 CPUs
  • C and Pascal for MS-DOS-compatible software
  • Any CP/M-compatible language like PL/I, Fortran, and others available on CP/M systems.

Notables

• The Seequa Chameleon is one of the earliest and most notable examples of a dual-CPU luggable computer, uniquely combining an Intel 8088 and a Zilog Z80 to run both MS-DOS and CP/M software.
• The Color Chameleon was marketed as the first IBM- and CP/M 80-compatible portable color microcomputer
• It bypassed IBM’s BIOS lawsuits by using a proprietary BIOS and dual architecture rather than cloning IBM directly

Donated by: Dr. Arlen Michaels