IBM PC Convertible

The IBM PC Convertible (model number: 5140), introduced in 1986, was one of the first commercially available portable computers. The "convertible" part of the name refers to how a user can detach the LCD screen and plug in a discrete EGA (640x200px) color monitor.<ref>curtamania.com</ref>

The Fn key was introduced in the keyboard of the IBM PC Convertible.<ref name=":0">InfoWorld, August 18, 1986</ref> It helped compensate for the compact size of the keyboard and the device's physical lack of F11 and F12 keys.

Like many keyboards of the era, the IBM PC Convertible was criticized for introducing a new layout for users to re-learn.<ref name=":0" /> The layout was also unlike its non-portable counterparts. However, it was praised for being an improved typing experience over competing portable computers.<ref>Los Angeles Times, June 9, 1986, "Comparing Toshiba and IBM's New Laptops"[1]</ref>

The keyboard has 20 Alps SKCL Compact switches and 58 Alps SKCM Brown switches.

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