RARE COMPUTING HISTORY 1983 Gavilan Mobile Computer (SC) Early Production Unit — Motherboard Sequence #807 Fully Loaded with Four (4) Proprietary Housed CapsuleRam Modules, 3.5" Floppy Drive, & Carrying Bag

Up for sale is an incredibly rare, museum-grade piece of personal computing history: a 1983 Gavilan Mobile Computer. Introduced in May 1983, the Gavilan was one of the world's very first battery-powered clamshell "laptops," pioneering features like an LCD screen flip design and an integrated touch-pad "solid-state mouse" a full decade before they became industry standards.

Because the Gavilan Computer Corporation went bankrupt in 1985 after producing only a few thousand units, surviving machines are exceptionally scarce. This specific unit is a collector's dream configuration due to its early production origin and included expansion accessories.

📋 Provenance & Internal Inspection Details:

• Early Production Motherboard: The main logic board features the authentic factory handwritten technician code 4C807 in black marker under the memory bay, confirming this is the 807th motherboard manufactured for this legendary line.
• Fully Loaded Memory Workspace: This machine includes a complete set of four (4) original, plastic-housed CapsuleRam cartridges plugged into the expansion slots. In 1983, these proprietary static RAM modules retailed for $350 each ($1,100+ today in inflation-adjusted dollars) and are rarely found together.
• Drive Configuration: Features the iconic integrated 3.5-inch microfloppy drive bay on the side. The internal drive casing retains its original white circular quality assurance tracking sticker labeled 8199, and the controller PCB chip retains its original National Semiconductor MCS-48 family 8-bit microcontroller (INS8048-6LXP/N) with a 1983 week-37 date code layout (/B8337).
• Chassis Tooling Marks: The main interior frame plate retains factory mold marker 466-0004, and the detachable flap cover retains code 446-0005.

💼 Included Accessories:

• Premium Carrying Case: Includes the original period-correct black leatherette/leatherlike protective shoulder transport bag, fitted perfectly for the Gavilan footprint.

⚠️ Condition & Testing Disclosure:

• Untested / As-Is: This system does NOT include an external power cable or AC adapter. Because we lack the proprietary power equipment to test it safely without risking the vintage 40-year-old internal capacitors, this machine is being sold strictly UNTESTED, restoration, or museum display.
• Cosmetic State: The outer housing shows very little wear for a 40+-year-old piece of vintage hardware. Please review the photos carefully to judge the physical condition for yourself.
• Composite Video Out:On the side of the laptop there is an RCA shaped video output (see pic) it has visible corrosion, and for fear of causing any damage to the unit, I have left it as is.
• Internal Battery Notice: The tiny internal lithium cells sealed inside the 1983 static RAM modules are well past their operational lifespan and should be inspected for age-related degradation prior to any future electronic restoration attempts. None of the other internal batteries are included!

🛡️ Seller Terms & Guarantee:

• Carefully Prepared: This historic item has been carefully hand-inspected, gently surface-cleaned, and safely prepared for shipping. It will be heavily padded and double-boxed to ensure safe transit to its destination.
• Insured:I am covering the shipping costs as they are more complex than allows. I will ship viaFedEx Express Saver or FedEx 2Dayto avoid conveyer belts and heavier drops, along with 3rd party insurance (Secursus) up to the cost of the sale.
• Return Policy: We proudly offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Items must be returned in their original received condition. Buyer pays return shipping. I also will not accept return unless the same care and packing (double box method) and insuring is taken.

Don't miss the chance to add a double-digit sub-1000 sequence motherboard unit of one of Silicon Valley's most ambitious early portables to your collection. Buy with confidence!