The Compaq Portable has basically the same hardware as an IBM PC, transplanted into a luggable case (specifically designed to fit as carry-on luggage on an airplane), with Compaq's BIOS instead of IBM's.
All Portables shipped with 128k of RAM and 1-2 double-sided double-density 360 KB disk drives.

The machine uses a unique hybrid of the IBM MDA and CGA which supports the latter's graphics modes, but contains both cards' text fonts in ROM.
When using the internal monochrome monitor the 9x14 font is used, and the 8x8 one when an external monitor is used (the user switches between internal and external monitors by pressing Ctrl+Alt+>).
The user can use both IBM video standards, for graphics capabilities and high-resolution text.
With a larger external monitor, the graphics hardware is also used in the original Compaq Deskpro desktop computer.

Despite its success, the Compaq Portable had a few flaws in its hardware.
The foam pads the keyboards used to make contact with a circuit board when pressed would eventually disintegrate over time, due to both the wear of normal use and natural wear.
This would render the keyboard useless and would require a full replacement of any foam pad that was affected.
The CRT display also suffered from a low refresh rate and heavy ghosting.
The Compaq Portable has basically the same hardware as an IBM PC, transplanted into a luggable case (specifically designed to fit as carry-on luggage on an airplane), with Compaq's BIOS instead of IBM's. All Portables shipped with 128k of RAM and 1-2 double-sided double-density 360 KB disk drives.
The machine uses a unique hybrid of the IBM MDA and CGA which supports the latter's graphics modes, but contains both cards' text fonts in ROM. When using the internal monochrome monitor the 9x14 font is used, and the 8x8 one when an external monitor is used (the user switches between internal and external monitors by pressing Ctrl+Alt+>). The user can use both IBM video standards, for graphics capabilities and high-resolution text. With a larger external monitor, the graphics hardware is also used in the original Compaq Deskpro desktop computer.
Despite its success, the Compaq Portable had a few flaws in its hardware. The foam pads the keyboards used to make contact with a circuit board when pressed would eventually disintegrate over time, due to both the wear of normal use and natural wear. This would render the keyboard useless and would require a full replacement of any foam pad that was affected. The CRT display also suffered from a low refresh rate and heavy ghosting.
Compaq Portable