IBM PS/2 Model CL57 SX

The IBM Personal System/2 Model CL57 SX (stylized as PS/2 Model CL57 SX) is the first notebook computer with a color TFT screen released by IBM in 1992. It was released a few months before the introduction of the ThinkPad series.

IBM PS/2 Model CL57 SX

Also known as	Type 8554
Manufacturer	IBM and Toshiba[1]
Type	Laptop (notebook)
Release date	April 1992
Introductory price	US$5,995 (equivalent to $13,430 in 2024)
Operating system	MS-DOS, OS/2, Microsoft Windows
CPU	386SX @ 20 MHz (optional math co-processor)
Memory	2–16 MB RAM (2 sockets)
Storage	80 MB hard drive 3.5” 1.44 MB floppy drive
Display	10.4" color TFT LCD
Graphics	VGA (640x480)
Input	trackball
Weight	11 lb (5.0 kg)
Predecessor	IBM PS/2 L40 SX

Background

It was developed by a joint venture between IBM and Toshiba.^[1] The sibling model in a PS/55 line was a PS/55 N27sx laptop.^[2]

Specifications

It is based on the Micro Channel Architecture.^[3] It contains a 386SX at 20MHz, between 2 and 16 MB RAM, a 10.4" color TFT, weighed 11 lb (5.0 kg) and has a trackball.^[4]

It can run IBM OS/2.

It was priced at US$5,995 (equivalent to $13,430 in 2024) and available from April 1992.^[5][6]

Reception

It was not favorably received by the market.^[7]