IBM PS/55 Note

The IBM Personal System/55 Note (stylized as PS/55 note) is a series of notebooks manufactured by the IBM subsidiary IBM Japan as part of the IBM Personal System/55 series.

IBM PS/55 Note

Manufacturer	IBM
Product family	IBM PS/55
Release date	1991; 34 years ago (1991)[1]
Introductory price	between $1,680 and $2,550
Predecessor	IBM PC Convertible

Model N23SX (5523-S)

Machine type 5523 were designated as 'notebook' computers distinct from type 5535 which were larger 'laptop' multistation computers.

The international IBM PS/2 Note series was based on the PS/55 Note series and used the ISA bus (with the final exception of the C52).

History

IBM started selling the PS/55 Note series in Japan in April 1991.^[2]

Western Digital has supplied video and logic chips for the PS/55 Note.^[3]

The second generation notes had an N model number signifying 'Notebook'. The third and fourth generation notes changed to C for 'Colour' and M for 'Monochrome'.

Models

The prices for the PS/55 Note varies between $1,680 and $2,550.

• Model 'note' (5523-S0x) was the first release with a 12Mhz 80386 CPU.
• Model N23 SX (5523-SCx) (03/1991) was the second generation note with 16Mhz 80386 CPU.
• Models M23V and C23V (10/1992) joint-third-generation and first TFT option note, but without a Trackpoint.
• Model C52 (10/1992) was a fourth and final generation note identical to the ThinkPad 700C with MCA bus.^[4][5]
• Model T22sx (1992) was an offshoot machine with detachable tablet and keyboard machine.
• Model N27sx (02/1992) was not a notebook and forerunner of the PS/2 CL57SX model.

Reception

The PS/55 Note was a rapid success in Japan.^[6]