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The History of the Laptop Backpack
The History of the Laptop Backpack
The term “backpack” was coined in the United States circa 1910, though the act of carrying a bag on the back using shoulder straps has been around since the prehistoric era. Following a hunting expedition, early humans would carry meat home on the back using animal hides and leather straps. Hands have limited capacity to hold heavy objects for an extended period, but the back and shoulders provide natural support for transporting almost anything over long distances. Backpacks evolved over time, but mostly during the 20th century following the industrial revolution. Presently backpacks are available with multiple compartments, pockets, belt and chest strap, internal or external frame, and a wide range of other features.
In modern times the backpack had been used for the same basic needs such as school, travel, and hiking. The fundamental design of a backpack had no real need to change until the advent of the laptop computer. Though not universally accepted, most historians credit the Osborne 1, released in 1981 by Osborne Computer, to be the first portable “lap-top” computer. Regardless, early laptop computers were large, heavy, and carried by hand using a handle on the outside of the case. In the late 1980’s laptops were only beginning to become portable as we think of them now.
As technology advanced through the 80’s and into the 90’s laptop computers got smaller, more affordable, and the internet became public. Perhaps the most influential event in laptop history was the release of Windows 95 in August of 1995 by Microsoft Corporation. Windows 95 was the first widely accepted IBM compatible operating system and helped to stabilize the design and cost of laptop computers. This timeframe is when laptops became much more practical to own for the general public. As the number of people with laptop computers grew a method of transporting this new type of “notebook” was needed.
Enter the laptop backpack. Backpacks and carrying cases specifically designed for laptops were first developed around 1995. Founded that year was Targus Group International, Inc., a company that specializes in the manufacture of storage cases for portable electronics. Samsill Corporation and Case Logic, Inc. also announced plans in 1995 to begin developing cases for the portable computer industry. By the turn of the century there were dozens of manufacturers that offered laptop specific backpacks and carrying cases to accommodate the ever increasing demand.
Today both laptops and all the different backpacks and carrying cases for them are commonplace. Messenger style bags are designed for convenience, but can be uncomfortable on long trips because the single shoulder strap focuses all the weight on one side of the body. Backpacks still provide the best support for transporting laptops and heavy objects over long distances by directing the weight straight down through the back and legs. Laptops will continue to get smaller and lighter, but for most a laptop backpack will remain the method of choice for long distance travel. Currently there are so many different styles, colors, and features to choose from there is truly something for everyone.
In February, 1986, Zenith Data Systems was awarded the first government contract to supply portable laptop computers for the Internal Revenue Service. In August, 1987, Zenith was awarded another contract worth $104.5 million to supply 90,000 laptops to the military. This is where the laptop backpack began.
Prior to the military contract laptops were mostly sold to large corporate accounts and used mainly in business. There was little need for increased mobility, though newer and more compact models could be carried using a messenger bag or possibly even a large briefcase. In a combat situation however, a soldier needs to have both hands free to operate his rifle creating a need for the laptop backpack.
The term “backpack” was coined in the United States circa 1910, though the act of carrying a bag on the back using shoulder straps has been around since the prehistoric era. Following a hunting expedition, early humans would carry meat home on the back using animal hides and leather straps. Hands have limited capacity to hold heavy objects for an extended period, but the back and shoulders provide natural support for transporting almost anything over long distances. Backpacks evolved over time, but mostly during the 20th century following the industrial revolution. Presently backpacks are available with multiple compartments, pockets, belt and chest strap, internal or external frame, and a wide range of other features.
In modern times the backpack had been used for the same basic needs such as school, travel, and hiking. The fundamental design of a backpack had no real need to change until the advent of the laptop computer. Though not universally accepted, most historians credit the Osborne 1, released in 1981 by Osborne Computer, to be the first portable “lap-top” computer. Regardless, early laptop computers were large, heavy, and carried by hand using a handle on the outside of the case. In the late 1980’s laptops were only beginning to become portable as we think of them now.
As technology advanced through the 80’s and into the 90’s laptop computers got smaller, more affordable, and the internet became public. Perhaps the most influential event in laptop history was the release of Windows 95 in August of 1995 by Microsoft Corporation. Windows 95 was the first widely accepted IBM compatible operating system and helped to stabilize the design and cost of laptop computers. This timeframe is when laptops became much more practical to own for the general public. As the number of people with laptop computers grew a method of transporting this new type of “notebook” was needed.
Enter the laptop backpack. Backpacks and carrying cases specifically designed for laptops were first developed around 1995. Founded that year was Targus Group International, Inc., a company that specializes in the manufacture of storage cases for portable electronics. Samsill Corporation and Case Logic, Inc. also announced plans in 1995 to begin developing cases for the portable computer industry. By the turn of the century there were dozens of manufacturers that offered laptop specific backpacks and carrying cases to accommodate the ever increasing demand.
Today both laptops and all the different backpacks and carrying cases for them are commonplace. Messenger style bags are designed for convenience, but can be uncomfortable on long trips because the single shoulder strap focuses all the weight on one side of the body. Backpacks still provide the best support for transporting laptops and heavy objects over long distances by directing the weight straight down through the back and legs. Laptops will continue to get smaller and lighter, but for most a laptop backpack will remain the method of choice for long distance travel. Currently there are so many different styles, colors, and features to choose from there is truly something for everyone.
In February, 1986, Zenith Data Systems was awarded the first government contract to supply portable laptop computers for the Internal Revenue Service. In August, 1987, Zenith was awarded another contract worth $104.5 million to supply 90,000 laptops to the military. This is where the laptop backpack began.
Prior to the military contract laptops were mostly sold to large corporate accounts and used mainly in business. There was little need for increased mobility, though newer and more compact models could be carried using a messenger bag or possibly even a large briefcase. In a combat situation however, a soldier needs to have both hands free to operate his rifle creating a need for the laptop backpack.
