The MultiSpeed was a line of laptop computers developed by NEC between 1986 and 1988. The inaugural MultiSpeed was the first battery-powered laptop with a 16-bit microprocessor, sporting a NEC V30 clocked at either 4.77 MHz or 9.54 MHz. The clock speed was able to be changed via a DIP switch on the back, hence the name MultiSpeed. The MultiSpeed received positive reviews in the press and performed well in the marketplace, becoming the top-selling laptop in the United States in early 1988, per one survey.

Models

NEC MultiSpeed
Model no.ProcessorClock speed (MHz)LCD technologyLCD resolutionNotesDate
originalNEC V304.77/9.54Monochrome passive, non-backlitCGA, 640×200December 1986(1986-12)
ELNEC V304.77/9.54Monochrome passive, electroluminescent backlightCGA, 640×200EL upgrade path was available to owners of the originalJune 1987(1987-06)
HDNEC V304.77/9.54Monochrome passive, electroluminescent backlightCGA, 640×200Sold 55,000 units in 1988October 1987(1987-10)
EL Model 2NEC V304.77/9.54Monochrome passive, electroluminescent backlightCGA, 640×200Improved EL panelMarch 1988(1988-03)