This Ascentia 800N/ CS9 was a very advanced notebook sized AT-compatible computer running MS-DOS, Microsoft Office 4.3 and Windows for Workgroups 3.11. It is powered by an Intel 486DX2-50 running at 50MHz.

The example in our collection is in mint condition and working order (as new) with original software, cables, etc + User's Guide and was one of the first colour models available at the time (June 1994).

Width: 10.4 in (26.4 cm)
Height: 1.6 in (4.3 cm)
Depth: 8.8 in (22.45 cm)
Weight: (colour) 5.9 lbs (2.7 kg with battery pack installed)

Jose Castillo-Bernaus very kindly donated 'his old friend' and made the following comments on his use of the Ascentia:

Having reached 40 at the time I was concerned that computing may have passed me by, until one of the Company Directors (my then Line Manager) walked into my office with the IT Manager and said:  "Jose, this is the future, and I know you have the mind to embrace it; make sure you learn how to use it and it will change your life, unfortunately it is too late for me".  The IT Manager proceeded to load all the necessary software, reminded me how lucky I was as this Laptop was "state of the art" not normally provided to any staff, but he was just following the Company Director's instructions to make an exception in my case - later I found out that my Line Manager asked them to provide me with the best and most sophisticated laptop money could buy at that time (£3,100) adding that it will be a justified investment.  Three years later, after self-learning with my old faithful friend, I became a Director of the Company as well as a so called "expert" in the use of computers..?? - it totally changed my life as I fully embraced the facility and integrated/arranged all of my work with this little laptop, rare thing to do in those days - it opened doors for me as I became extremely organised and able to prepare and conduct my own documents, presentations, etc, also rare in those days.

This is why it is a special friend to me, after many years of middle management, the AST Ascentia 800N (with integral mouse ball !!!) transformed me into a credible Company Director that escalated through to various top positions in Management Boards until my current retirement job with Oxford University.  Although through the years I had many better and more sophisticated laptops, which have come and gone without remembering their make or model, this little Ascentia will never be forgotten - thus why kept it for so long, and now I feel finally happy that it has found a good home at The Centre for Computing History - MANY THANKS FOR THAT.

Manufacturer: AST Research Inc
Date: June 1994

This exhibit has a reference ID of CH7009. Please quote this reference ID in any communication with the Centre for Computing History.

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