Olivetti M10

[vin85]

The Olivetti M10, released in 1983, is a historically significant vintage portable computer notable for its innovative design and strong market presence in Europe. It featured a unique tilting LCD screen for improved legibility and an excellent keyboard praised by users, particularly journalists who favored it for field use. Based on a Kyocera platform similar to the Tandy Model 100, the M10 offered long battery life (running on AA batteries), built-in software including an extended BASIC interpreter, word processor, spreadsheet, agenda, and communication program. It was widely used in Europe, especially Italy, holding a majority share of the local market and some presence internationally. The M10 is regarded as one of the earliest true notebook-form-factor computers, marking a milestone in portable computing history. Its combination of portability, usability, and built-in programming capabilities make it an important piece for tech enthusiasts and vintage computer collections. It also demonstrates Olivetti’s pioneering role in blending typewriter heritage with early computing technology.

Manufacturer: Olivetti
Type: Laptop
Model: M10
Release Date: 1983
Cost at release: USD $800 (CAD ~$2,750 adjusted for inflation)
MIPS: 0.1 (100 KIPS)

Hardware Specifications

CPU: OKI 80C85 8-bit CMOS microprocessor, running at 2.4 to 3 MHz
RAM: 8 KB standard, expandable up to 32 KB
Display: Monochrome LCD with 240 x 64 pixel resolution, tilting design for ergonomic viewing
Storage: Volatile RAM storage backed by battery, cassette tape interface for data saving/loading
Keyboard: Full-sized QWERTY keyboard with good tactile feedback
Connectivity: Serial and parallel ports for modem and printer connections
Power: Runs on 4 AA batteries, giving approximately 20 hours of operation
Weight: Approximately 1.5 kg (3.3 pounds)

Operating System & Programming Languages

OS: The Olivetti M10 did not have a traditional operating system but instead ran built-in firmware with an extended BASIC interpreter as its primary programming environment. This firmware provided a simple command-line interface for programming and application use.
Programming Languages:
- Microsoft BASIC (an extended version customized for the M10)
- Machine code programming for the OKI 80C85 8-bit CPU (via assembly or direct binary input)
- Some third-party and user-developed software could also be loaded via cassette, but no widespread support for other high-level languages existed.

Notables

Released in 1983, it was among the earliest notebook-style portable computers, predating many modern laptops.
Known for its ergonomic tilting monochrome LCD screen, which improved readability, a feature rare for its time.
Marketed primarily in Italy and Europe, it captured about 70% of the Italian market and 22% of the European market for portable computers in the early 1980’s.
It was favoured by journalists and mobile professionals due to its lightweight design (~1.5 kg), long battery life (~20 hours), and excellent keyboard.
The M10 ran an extended BASIC interpreter in firmware, enabling programming on the go, which was innovative in portability and software integration.
Considered a pioneering machine bridging typewriter heritage and emerging personal computing technology from Olivetti, a company known for design and innovation.
Often compared as the “Italian cousin” to the popular Tandy Model 100, it stands as a distinct alternative with unique features.
Although it lacked flashy advertising campaigns, its quiet success in European markets cemented its place in vintage computing history.
Its design and usability influenced later portable computing development, solidifying it as a key milestone in the evolution of notebooks.

Donated by: Arlen Michaels

Vintage Computing Collection