Computer Devices Dot

**Computer Devices Inc. Dot**
General Info
Release Year	1983
Manufacturer	Computer Devices Inc.
Device Category	Computer
Technical Specifications
Software Environment	Microsoft DOS 1.25
Software Compatibility	IBM PC
CPU	8088 @ 4.77 MHz
CPU Compatibility	DIP 40 (8088)
Memory Capacity	64-740kB
Removable Storage	3.5in 720KB DD Floppy Disk
Graphics	MDA, Custom High Resolution
Internal Display	9x5in CRT up to 1024x254
External Connectors	2x DB-25 RS-232; DE-9 Video;
Power Requirements
Input Voltage	120V AC
Current (Amps)	2.5A Rated
Power Connector	IEC C13/C14 Socket
Categories
	Computers
QR Code
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The Dot was made by Computer Devices Inc. as a portable IBM PC compatible. It was a commercial failure due to its usage of Sony's 3.5in floppy disk format before it evolved into an accepted industry standard. The company attempted to create a new version of the device called "Dot-II" but was unable to secure funding before declaring bankruptcy. Based on information disclosed during bankruptcy and the sale of related assets it was revealed that only 500 Dots were sold.

Software compatibility is a challenge for the Dot. It uses the very early early Microsoft DOS 1.25 which predates some features like subdirectories. The widescreen CRT was optimal for word processing, however the wide view mode would need custom support for the unique high resolution video modes that allowed 132x25 characters to be displayed on the screen. Getting new software onto it was also not possible for the end users because 3.5in disks were not widely available and the Dot's disk format was also unique. Dealers were intended to be a source of assistance for users in converting existing 5.25in software to the Dot's 3.5in disks.

The Dot features an optional integrated thermal printer that used rolls of paper. Portable thermal printers were one of Computer Devices core competencies. The model in the Dot is the Q-150 made by Computer Devices. This printer module was likely shared with the contemporary Series 2000 terminals they also made.

Examples

Example Info
Condition	Working
Model Number	12547-03
Serial Number	87-10383
Notes
Has 128kB of RAM, no CRT filter, and dual Sony OA-D30V floppy drives
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Example Info
Condition	Working
Model Number	16003-13
Serial Number	87-10487
Notes
128kB of RAM, orange CRT filter, single Sony OA-D31V floppy drive
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Floppy Disk Format

The Dot uses 70 track single sided 3.5in floppy disks. The machines originally shipped with Sony OA-D30V drives, but some were made with OA-D31V as well.

Greaseweazle Diskdef

disk ibm.dot
    cyls = 70
    heads = 1
    tracks * ibm.mfm
        secs = 8
        bps = 512
        gap3 = 84
        rate = 250
    end
end

Dot Timeline References

The story of the Dot begins with the introduction of Computer Devices' Series 2000 line of portable terminals that suffered extreme production delays. This delayed the production of the Dot as well.


Date	Conclusion, Context, Content	Refrences
1981-06-01	2300 Terminal introduced for $2,785	Computerworld Jun 1, 1981
1982-01	Seaforth M. Lyle made president of CDI after being at DEC	The Boston Globe - Sun, Aug 28, 1983 Page 113
1982-04	Series 2000 Terminal production started	The Boston Globe - Sun, Aug 28, 1983 Page 116
1982-11-29	DOT on display at COMDEX	InfoWorld Nov 29, 1982 Byte December 1982
1982-12	Series 2000 production stable, DOT behind schedule. Company in financial trouble	The Boston Globe - Sun, Aug 28, 1983 Page 116 Why Companies Fail By Harlan D. Platt - 1985
1982-12	CDI President claims DOT floppies can hold as much data and be formatted the same as 5.25in disks (This was not true in the production model)	Ausralian Personal Computer 1982-12
1982-12	Dealer kit for converting software from 5.25in to 3.5in disks available for $8,000	Ausralian Personal Computer 1982-12 Popular Science Mar 1983
1983-04	First Dot shipped	The Boston Globe - Sun, Aug 28, 1983 Page 116 Interface Age - Vol 8 Issue 2 1983-02 Computer System News - Issue 115
1983-07	Sold 1 million shares of public stock and raised $7M. Share price was at $11.25, down to $5.86 by the end of the month	The Boston Globe - Sun, Aug 28, 1983 Page 116 InfoWorld May 21, 1984 [1]Why Companies Fail By Harlan D. Platt - 1985
1983-08-12	Company press relese "Orders for the DOT have not accelerate at the rate anticipated in earlier planning"	The Boston Globe - Sun, Aug 28, 1983 Page 113
1983-08-28	Laid off 40% of workers	The Boston Globe - Sun, Aug 28, 1983 Page 113
1983-10-31	Computer Devices Inc goes bankrupt	InfoWorld Nov 21, 1983 Computerworld Nov 12, 1984 IN RE COMPUTER DEVICES, INC., - United States Bankruptcy Court, D. Massachusetts Jul 31, 1985
1983-12	Prime Computer Inc buys non-exclusive rights to the DOT, discloses only 500 units sold.	Computerworld Nov 12, 1984 Electronic News Vol 30 Issue 1481
1985	Unknown source for the book, but it is claimed that for 4 of the 6 months the Dot was on the market before bankruptcy that Computer Devices only sold 50 units a month.	[2]Why Companies Fail By Harlan D. Platt - 1985