Convergent Technologies of Santa Clara, California introduced the Worslate the same time as the Tandy Model 100. Although it was about the same size of the Model 100, the Workslate was primarily a spreadsheet machine. No other software could be loaded except some application which was adaptations of the basic spreadsheet program.
The Workslate used a CMOS version of the old 6800 processor and 16B KB of RAM. RAM size couldn't be extended and allowed a limited 720 cells spreadsheet to be filled. The keyboard with circular rubber-keys was hard-to-use for text entry. However, with its phone book, memo pad, and financial calculator, the Workslate was designed for those who only wanted a business tool and didn't want to learn about computers.
Also built-in were a tape drive able to record and play data's or voice annotations, a 300-baud modem and a printer port.
The Workslate was first launched in the American Express Christmas catalog, and was sold as a high-tech novelty product. But no one was interested in buying a limited spredsheet machine for $895. Convergent Technology planned to sell 200,000 units within a year, but only 5,000 systems were sold in the U.S.A plus some hundreds in Europe. The product was discontinued in July 1984, and the company lost about $15 million.
If you notice the keyboard has a "DoIt" key. The President of the fledgling company Allen Michaels used to roam the halls of the company at night and spray paint "DoIT" everywhere, hence the key name.
John Demian from Modesto, California had the good luck to find a complete Workslate system and sent us the Convergent references for all the peripherals and Taskware he found:
WorkSlate # WK-100
MicroPrinter # WP-100
Comm Port # WC-100 (has a Parallel and Serial interface for external printers.)
Teach Me Now Tape # TW-120
We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system,
please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.
Hi Doug, sorry for the late reply. I am interested by your Workslate and its accessories. Can you please email me with the price you ask for it ? Thanks, Philippe
Tuesday 4th June 2013
Philippe Elie (Paris / France)
Hi Doug, sorry for the late reply. I am interested by your Workslate and its accessories. Can you please email me with the price you ask for it ? Thanks, Philippe
Tuesday 4th June 2013
Philippe Elie (Paris / France)
I have a Workslate with a printer and their soft covers, power supply, Reference guide, Owner''s manual, Exercise workbook, Sales Reporter , Teach me now $ Teach me later softwear programs, 11 micro cassettes and 4 rolls of Micro Printer paper . All this is new like condition $ packaging. I would be happy to part with this piece of computer history.
Monday 8th April 2013
Doug Alter (United States)
NAME
Workslate
MANUFACTURER
Convergent Technologies
TYPE
Portable
ORIGIN
U.S.A.
YEAR
December 1982
END OF PRODUCTION
July 1984
BUILT IN LANGUAGE
None
KEYBOARD
61 rubber keys with numeric keypad and 5 function keys
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