Kaypro II

I have two main units.

type computer
country USA
year 1982
os CP/M, SBASIC
cpu  Zilog Z80
speed 2.5 MHz
ram 64 KB
graphic 24×80 text only
colors mono
storage two 5.1/4″ SS-DD 195K disks
ports Serial, parallel

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The Kaypro II — Built Like a Tank

Launched in late 1982 at $1,795, the Kaypro II was one of the most successful CP/M computers ever made — a rugged, all-metal luggable that surpassed the Osborne 1 in screen size, storage capacity, and overall practicality to become one of the best-selling personal computers of the early 1980s. By mid-1983, Kaypro was selling over 10,000 units per month. The machine’s reputation for durability was legendary — its all-aluminium case looked and felt like laboratory test equipment, which was entirely deliberate: Kaypro’s parent company Non-Linear Systems had been making electronic test instruments since 1952.

Non-Linear Systems and Andy Kay

The Kaypro II was designed by Non-Linear Systems (NLS), founded by Andrew Kay — the inventor of the digital voltmeter. NLS had spent decades making rugged, reliable electronic instruments for laboratory and field use, and brought this engineering philosophy directly to personal computing. The Kaypro II’s all-metal construction, robust keyboard, and reliable floppy drives reflected this heritage. ”Built like a tank” was not marketing hyperbole — these machines were genuinely more durable than most competitors, and surviving examples frequently still work today.

The 9-inch Screen Advantage

The Kaypro II’s 9-inch green phosphor CRT was its most visible advantage over the Osborne 1’s 5-inch display. The larger screen displayed a full 80×24 character text screen — standard for business software — while the Osborne’s tiny display required awkward scrolling. This practical advantage drove Kaypro’s market success, as business users quickly recognised that a larger, clearer display made the machine genuinely more usable for extended work sessions.