Olivetti M28

The Olivetti M28, introduced in 1986, was a significant milestone in personal computing for its technical advancements and design philosophy. Below are its specifications and historical significance.

Specifications

• Processor: Intel 80286 running at 8 MHz17.

• Memory: 512 KB of RAM, expandable to 1 MB on the motherboard1.

• Storage:

  • Standard: 20 MB hard drive.

  • Expandable: Support for up to a 70 MB hard drive1.

• Removable Storage: 5.25-inch floppy drive1.

• Graphics: Enhanced CGA-compatible graphics card, capable of displaying 640 × 400 resolution with 16 colors1.

• Expansion Options:

  • Support for a math coprocessor (Intel 80287).

  • Space for up to three disk units18.

• Operating Systems: Compatible with MS-DOS 3.2 and XENIX1.

Significance

1. Technological Advancement:

   • The M28 was Olivetti’s first PC to feature the Intel 80286 processor, marking a step forward in performance compared to its predecessor, the M24, which used an Intel 8086 processor57. It offered improved multitasking capabilities and better support for advanced operating systems like XENIX.

2. Market Positioning:

   • Positioned as a successor to the successful Olivetti M24, the M28 aimed to compete with IBM AT-class computers in both performance and expandability. It was rebranded as the AT&T PC 6310 in the U.S. market and as the LogAbax Persona 1800 in France, reflecting its international appeal17.

3. Expandability and Customization:

   • The ability to install multiple disk drives, upgrade graphics capabilities, and add a math coprocessor made it attractive for business users who required flexibility and scalability in their computing systems18.

4. Design Philosophy:

   • Consistent with Olivetti’s emphasis on aesthetics and functionality, the M28 combined technical innovation with a focus on user-centric design. This approach was part of Olivetti’s broader legacy of integrating modernist design principles into its products9.

5. Legacy:

   • The M28 reinforced Olivetti’s reputation as a leader in European computing during the mid-1980s. It demonstrated the company’s ability to produce IBM-compatible systems while maintaining its distinctive design ethos.

In summary, the Olivetti M28 was not only a technically capable machine but also a reflection of Olivetti’s commitment to innovation and design excellence in computing. Its introduction helped bridge the gap between earlier PCs and more powerful AT-class systems, securing its place in vintage computing history.