Osborne Executive

Osborne Executive
	Osborne Executive portable computer
Specifications
Manufacturer	Osborne Computer Corporation
Type	Portable Computer
Released	1982
Discontinued	1983
Intro price	US$2,495 (1982)
CPU	Zilog Z80A @ 4 MHz
Memory	128 KB RAM
Storage	Dual 5.25" double-sided, double-density floppy drives (each 360 KB)
Display	7" amber monochrome CRT (80×24 text)
Sound	None
Dimensions	18.5" × 11.25" × 7.5"
Weight	28 lbs (12.7 kg)
OS / Firmware	CP/M 2.2
Predecessor	Osborne 1
Successor	Osborne Vixen
Model no.	OCC Executive

The Osborne Executive is a portable CP/M-based computer released by Osborne Computer Corporation in 1982 as the successor to the Osborne 1. It featured a larger screen, more memory, and enhanced storage capacity, targeting business users seeking improved portability and performance.

Architecture and Processor

At its core, the Osborne Executive utilised a Zilog Z80A microprocessor running at 4 MHz. This 8-bit CPU was widely used in CP/M systems of the era, providing compatibility with a large library of business and productivity software.

The system architecture was designed to maximise performance within the CP/M environment, supporting bank-switched memory to address up to 128 KB of RAM—double that of its predecessor.

Memory and Storage

The Executive shipped with:

128 KB RAM (bank-switched, with 64 KB accessible at a time under CP/M 2.2)
ROM containing the boot loader and system utilities

For mass storage, the Executive featured:

Dual 5.25" double-sided, double-density floppy drives
- Each drive stored up to 360 KB per disk, for a total of 720 KB of removable storage.
No internal hard disk; all storage was floppy-based.

Display and Graphics

A key improvement over the Osborne 1 was the Executive's display:

7-inch amber monochrome CRT
80 columns × 24 rows of text (compared to the Osborne 1's 52×24)
No bitmap graphics capability; text-only output

The larger, higher-resolution screen made the Executive more suitable for word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Sound Capabilities

The Osborne Executive did not include dedicated sound hardware. Any audio output was limited to system beeps generated by a simple internal speaker.

Input/Output and Expansion

The Executive provided a range of I/O ports for peripheral connectivity:

IEEE-488 (GPIB) port for printers and external devices
RS-232C serial port for modems and serial peripherals
Parallel (Centronics) port for printers
Video output for external monitor (monochrome composite)
Keyboard – detachable, full-stroke, 69-key keyboard with numeric keypad
Expansion slot for optional modem or other add-ons

The system was bundled with a suite of productivity software, including WordStar, SuperCalc, and dBase II.

PCB Schematics & Service Manual

The Osborne Executive's hardware comprised a main logic board and a separate power supply board. Detailed schematics and service documentation were provided to support field repairs and upgrades.

Main Logic Board	Logic Board Schematics
Osborne Executive Main Logic Board	File:Osborne Exec Schematic.pdf

For full service documentation, see the Osborne Documentation category.

Gallery

Osborne Executive portable computer (open)
Osborne Executive with keyboard detached
7" amber CRT display (80×24 text)
Main logic board