Hubbry Logo
Grid SystemsGrid SystemsMain
Open search
Grid Systems
Community hub
Grid Systems
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Grid Systems
Grid Systems
Grid Systems
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia
A woman using a GridCase 3 to access the PDQ cancer database in 1987

Key Information

Grid Systems Corporation (stylized as GRiD) was an early portable computer manufacturer, based in the United States and oriented for the production of rugged and semi-rugged machines. Currently, the Grid computer brand still exists as Grid Defence Systems Ltd. in the United Kingdom.

History

[edit]

Early history

[edit]

Grid Systems Corporation was founded in late 1979 by John Ellenby,[1] who left his job at Xerox PARC and joined Glenn Edens, Dave Paulsen and Bill Moggridge to form one of Silicon Valley's first stealth companies. The company went public in March 1981. It was located at 47211 Lakeview Boulevard, Fremont, California, 94537.

The "GRiD" name with the unusual lowercase "i" in the middle was the result of discussion between John Ellenby, Glenn Edens and John Ellenby's wife, Gillian Ellenby, who pushed for the final choice. The lowercase "i" was a note of thanks to Intel for helping in the early days.[2]

Sale of company and US division

[edit]
GridPad (1989)

In 1988, Tandy Corporation purchased the Grid company.[3] AST Computer acquired the US wing of company, and was itself later acquired by Samsung.[4]

Grid still produced the GRiDCASE laptops, and the first GridPad tablet also was released in 1989;[5] Also a few rebranded models of another manufacturers were released, include Tandy/Victor Technologies Grid 386 (Compaq SLT clone), GRiDPad SL 2050 (Samsung PenMaster clone) and AST GRiDPad 2390 (Casio Zoomer/ Tandy Z-PDA clone).

Edens co-founded Waveform Corp and in 2003 joined the board of F5,[6] and John Ellenby went on to co-found the companies Agilis and augmented reality pioneer GeoVector.

GRiD Defence Systems

[edit]

Grid Defence Systems formed in London, England by former employees during a management buyout of the former GRiD Computer Systems UK Ltd. in 1993.[5]

The UK Grid company starts with a simply "GRiD 1###"-branded rugged laptop line, and in 1995 reintroduced the GRiDCASE line.

Innovations

[edit]

Grid developed and released several pioneering ideas:[2]

  • The Grid Compass 1100, the first clamshell laptop computer[7]
  • Patented the "clamshell" laptop design[8]
  • First portable to use non-volatile bubble-memory
  • Grid-OS was a multi-tasking Text-based user interface (or TUI) and operating system
  • First use of electro-luminescent displays in a portable
  • First use of magnesium for the case
  • First use of the Intel 8086 and 8087 floating-point co-processor in a commercial product
  • Pioneered the concept of a "bus" for connecting peripherals (using GPIB)
  • First computer that included a fully functional telephone and telephone handset
  • The first commercially successful tablet-type portable computer was the GridPad,[9] released in September 1989. Its operating system was based on MS-DOS.
  • A GRiD Compass 1101 was the first laptop in space. Required special modification to add a fan to pull air through the case.[10] Subsequently a GRiD 1530 flew on STS-29 in March 1989.

OldComputers.net called the 1982 GRiD Compass 1101 the "grand-daddy of all present-day laptop computers". It had 256k RAM, an 8086, 320x240 screen, and 384k of internal 'bubble memory' that held data with power off.[11]

Notable computers

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Grid Systems

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
GRiD Systems Corporation was an American computer manufacturing company founded in January 1979 by John Ellenby, along with co-founders Glenn Edens, , and designer Bill Moggridge. Based in , the company pioneered portable computing with the development of the GRiD Compass 1100 in 1982, recognized as the first laptop computer featuring a . Targeting professionals, military, and space applications, GRiD's systems emphasized ruggedness, modularity, and high performance, influencing the evolution of modern laptops and tablet computers. The company went public in 1981, was acquired by in 1988, and later evolved into GRiD Defence Systems, which continues to specialize in rugged computing solutions as of 2025.

Principles and Types

GRiD's design principles focused on portability, durability, and user-centric functionality, drawing from PARC influences to create systems that operated independently in harsh environments. Key principles included casings for lightweight strength, non-volatile for data retention without power, and modular architectures allowing expansions like additional storage or peripherals. Product types encompassed:
  • Clamshell laptops: The flagship series (e.g., 1100 model with processor, 256–512 KB RAM, 9-inch electroluminescent display), weighing about 5 kg and priced at in 1982.
  • Slate-style portables: Early tablet-like devices such as the GridPad (1989), one of the first commercially successful tablet computers.
  • Rugged laptops: Later GRiDCase series (introduced 1985), optimized for field use with compatibility and enhanced battery life.
These innovations prioritized reliability over mass-market affordability, setting standards for hardware.

Applications and Modern Relevance

GRiD systems found early applications in demanding sectors, including NASA's missions (e.g., Discovery in 1985, where the supported orbital navigation), U.S. military operations by , and executive business use. The company's technology enabled on-the-go computing in environments where desktops failed, from to defense. In modern relevance, GRiD's clamshell and rugged designs directly influenced contemporary laptops and tablets, with patents licensing contributing to industry standards. GRiD Defence Systems, formed in 1993 after acquisition by , remains active in providing secure, rugged IT solutions for and enterprise, underscoring the enduring legacy of GRiD's foundational work in portable and resilient as of November 2025.

Company Overview

Founding and Key Personnel

GRiD Systems Corporation was established in January 1979 in , operating initially as a dedicated to advancing portable computing technologies. The company emerged from the innovative ecosystem of , with its founding driven by a vision to create practical devices that could extend the capabilities of desktop computing into mobile environments. John Ellenby served as the primary founder, having departed from his executive role at Xerox PARC earlier that year to independently pursue laptop concepts inspired by the advanced research on personal computing conducted there. Shortly after the founding, he was joined by key co-founders who brought complementary expertise: Glenn Edens in September 1979, leveraging his background from PARC to handle ; Dave Paulsen in November 1979, contributing hardware engineering skills to prototype design; and Bill Moggridge, providing leadership to shape user-friendly form factors. These early collaborators formed the core team that defined the company's technical direction from inception. Early leadership transitioned to Samuel J. Wiegand as CEO, who guided operations during the company's formative growth phase until his retirement in 1990. Initial funding came from investments by individuals connected to the PARC network, followed by a $2.5 million first-round infusion in August 1980 from three prominent firms, enabling prototype development and scaling. The headquarters remained in initially but relocated to , as the company expanded its manufacturing and administrative needs. GRiD went public in 1981, marking a pivotal shift toward broader market engagement.

Corporate Structure and Evolution

GRiD Systems Corporation was established in 1979 as a privately held startup, with a small team focused on research and development for portable computing devices targeted at professional users. The company's emphasis on innovation in rugged, mobile hardware drove rapid expansion, with employee numbers growing to support increasing R&D and production needs; by the early , following integration with additional staff, the workforce reached approximately 1,100. In March 1988, announced its acquisition of GRiD Systems, which was completed later that year, making GRiD a wholly owned valued at an initial payment of about $55 million in Tandy common stock, with potential additional payments up to $30 million contingent on performance. This move provided GRiD with enhanced distribution channels through Tandy's network while allowing it to retain operational independence under its existing management. In 1993, Tandy transferred its computer manufacturing operations, including the GRiD division, to for up to $175 million, integrating GRiD into AST's portfolio of portable computing assets. AST itself was acquired by in 1997, after which GRiD's U.S. operations were wound down by the late 1990s as the brand was discontinued. A separate UK division, GRiD Computer Systems UK Ltd., had been established in the early 1980s to handle European sales and support, operating alongside the U.S. headquarters. In 1993, amid the broader restructuring, a management buyout formed an independent entity from this division, evolving into GRiD Defence Systems, which continued operations focused on rugged computing solutions. As of 2025, GRiD Defence Systems continues to specialize in rugged computing solutions for defense markets, though it has faced protests and occupations by activist group Palestine Action in 2024 and 2025 over alleged connections to arms suppliers. This separation allowed the UK operations to persist beyond the closure of the U.S. parent company, marking the end of GRiD's original corporate structure while preserving aspects of its legacy in specialized markets.

History

Early Development (1979–1981)

The early development of Grid Systems Corporation was deeply rooted in innovations from PARC, where founder John Ellenby had contributed to the computer, a pioneering system introduced in 1973. Ellenby's vision for a portable device drew inspiration from Alan Kay's concept at PARC, which envisioned a personal, battery-powered notebook computer for dynamic information processing. Upon leaving PARC in January 1979, Ellenby established Grid Systems with the goal of creating a truly portable "office in a briefcase" targeted at business professionals, initially conceived as an terminal but expanded by co-founder Glenn Edens to include full local processing and storage capabilities. Initial prototyping efforts from 1979 to 1980 focused on non-clamshell designs assembled with off-the-shelf components, including early adoption of the processor released in 1978, to test feasibility in a compact form. These rudimentary models emphasized rugged construction suitable for mobile business use, with engineering conducted initially in a garage setup before relocating to dedicated facilities in , in August 1980. Funding was secured through seed investments from individual backers, followed by $2.5 million in in August 1980 from Institutional Venture Partners, Citicorp Venture Capital, and Mayfield Fund, enabling a second round of $3.5 million to support prototype fabrication. Key challenges during this period included balancing computational power with portability constraints, such as limited battery life and the need for durable enclosures to withstand travel demands of executives. The team prioritized solutions like to ensure without constant power, while maintaining secrecy to protect ahead of . The company had gone public in March 1981. By late 1981, these efforts culminated in the completion of the first full prototype—a milestone that validated the design.

Expansion and Market Entry (1982–1987)

Following the successful prototyping phase, GRiD Systems entered the commercial market in April 1982 with the launch of the GRiD Compass 1100, recognized as the first clamshell computer designed for portability and durability. Priced at approximately $8,150, the system was positioned for high-end business professionals and government users requiring rugged computing in field environments, such as executives traveling or . The company adopted a direct sales model, bypassing retail channels to provide customized configurations and dedicated support tailored to enterprise needs, which allowed for higher margins but restricted broader . To support its growth, GRiD implemented a sales strategy emphasizing configurable systems sold directly to large organizations, including vertical markets like oil exploration and defense. By 1983, the company established international subsidiaries and sales offices, notably in the , alongside expansions into and , facilitating distribution across through OEM partnerships with firms such as and . This global outreach complemented domestic efforts, enabling GRiD to serve multinational clients while maintaining control over product adaptation and service. A pivotal key event was securing a major contract with in 1983, where modified units were deployed aboard the Columbia's mission in November, marking the first use of a in space for monitoring and . Further expansion into Asia occurred through distribution agreements, broadening GRiD's footprint beyond and . Financially, GRiD experienced steady revenue growth during this period, reaching $65 million by fiscal , driven by increasing adoption in government and corporate sectors. The company's focus on premium, specialized hardware contributed to this expansion, though early years involved operating losses offset by infusions. Despite these gains, challenges persisted due to the high unit pricing—often exceeding $8,000—which deterred consumer and small- adoption, confining sales primarily to institutional buyers. Emerging competition from IBM's portable PCs, introduced in 1984, intensified pressure as rivals offered more affordable, MS-DOS-compatible alternatives, prompting GRiD to adapt by launching IBM-compatible models like the GRiDCASE series in 1985.

Acquisitions and Restructuring (1988–1993)

In 1988, acquired GRiD Systems, marking the end of the company's independent operations. The acquisition was announced on March 17, 1988, with payment structured as Tandy common stock valued at an initial $55 million, equivalent to $2 per share of GRiD stock, plus a contingent payment of up to $25 million based on future performance. The deal was completed on July 1, 1988, making GRiD a wholly owned that continued to operate under its own name while leveraging Tandy's resources, including nationwide service networks and expanded distribution channels. This move allowed GRiD to focus on laptop production, integrating into Tandy's brand ecosystem for broader market reach. Following the acquisition, GRiD experienced significant operational restructuring and integration with Tandy's infrastructure. Manufacturing was consolidated, with shared facilities in and to streamline production and reduce costs. GRiD benefited from Tandy's supply chain efficiencies and opened over 50 dedicated systems centers across major U.S. metropolitan areas in February 1989 for sales, training, and demonstrations, adding around 400 former Tandy employees to its workforce, bringing total employment to approximately 1,100. However, these changes foreshadowed challenges, as the subsidiary's specialized focus on high-end portables clashed with Tandy's mass-market orientation. By 1993, further restructuring occurred amid Tandy's strategic shift away from computer manufacturing. In May 1993, agreed to acquire Tandy's computer division, including GRiD, for an initial value of up to $175 million, later reduced to $105 million upon completion in July. This transaction led to approximately 500 job cuts as operations were transferred, with GRiD products rebranded under AST to align with its lineup. Concurrently, the operations underwent a , forming GRiD UK Ltd. as an independent entity focused on specialized solutions. The aftermath of these changes saw the decline of GRiD's U.S. operations under successive ownership. AST, struggling with market competition, was acquired by in 1997 for about $170 million in a bid to bolster its PC capabilities, but the integration failed to reverse losses exceeding $350 million that year. By 1998, phased out GRiD-related U.S. divisions and the AST brand entirely in 1999, effectively ending the original company's legacy in the American market.

Products

GRiD Compass Series

The GRiD Compass series debuted in April 1982 with the Model 1100, marking the introduction of the world's first commercial clamshell computer designed for portability and rugged use. Equipped with an processor running at 4.77 MHz, the system offered 256 KB of RAM expandable to 512 KB, along with 384 KB of non-volatile for storage. Its innovative clamshell form factor, briefly referencing design principles that influenced later portables, featured a 9.7-inch electroluminescent with 320 x 240 resolution capable of rendering 80 columns by 24 lines of text. Subsequent variants enhanced the original design for broader applicability. The Compass 1101, released in 1984, incorporated improvements while retaining the core architecture including the 8086 CPU and bubble memory. Later models in the series, such as the 1129 and 1139, offered expanded ROM capacity and continued to emphasize ruggedness. Technical specifications across the series emphasized durability and functionality over consumer affordability. The magnesium alloy case weighed approximately 4.5 kg (10 lbs), providing robust protection suitable for fieldwork, with a built-in 1200-baud modem and ports for RS-232 serial and GPIB parallel connectivity. The operating system was a custom GRiD OS compatible with MS-DOS, including integrated productivity tools like a word processor and spreadsheet. Pricing ranged from $8,150 for base configurations to over $16,000 for fully equipped models, targeting high-end users rather than the mass market. The series gained prominence through notable deployments, including its role as the first laptop used in space aboard NASA's during the mission on November 28, 1983, where it supported payload operations after modifications for microgravity. It was widely adopted by the U.S. military for secure field and by business executives for on-the-go data management, underscoring its reliability in demanding scenarios. Production of the GRiD Compass series reached approximately 10,000 units in total, with early sales hitting 3,000 in the first year and accumulating 8,000 to 10,000 by 1984. The line was discontinued following GRiD Systems' acquisition by in 1988, shifting focus to more affordable successors.

GRiDCase Laptops

The GRiDCase series represented GRiD Systems' strategic shift toward the mainstream laptop market in the mid-1980s, aiming to broaden accessibility beyond the specialized, high-cost models. Introduced in 1985 with the GRiDCase 1500, the line targeted business professionals seeking portable computing at a more affordable price point of approximately $3,500 to $4,350, significantly lower than the Compass's premium pricing. This model incorporated battery power using low-power processors like the 80C286, marking an early advancement in portable operation while maintaining compatibility with standard PC software. Subsequent models expanded the series' capabilities and refined its design for wider appeal. The GRiDCase 1530, released in 1987, featured an 80386 processor at 12.5 MHz, 1 MB of RAM (expandable), and a 20 MB option, paired with dual 3.5-inch floppy drives. It included a LCD display at 640 x 400 resolution for improved readability over earlier portables, ran 3.2, and supported optional battery packs for extended field mobility. The GRiDCase 1550, introduced around 1988 with further LCD enhancements, weighed about 12 pounds and emphasized lightweight construction while retaining core features like serial/parallel ports and ROM expansion slots up to 512 KB. These laptops drew briefly from the Compass's clamshell form factor but prioritized IBM PC compatibility to attract general business users. The series achieved moderate commercial success, generating significant revenue for GRiD—$79 million in fiscal 1988—through sales to corporate and government clients before the company's acquisition by in June 1988 for an undisclosed sum. Post-acquisition, GRiDCase models were integrated into Tandy's product lineup, enhancing distribution via RadioShack channels while continuing production under the GRiD brand. However, the line faced intensifying competition from lighter, cheaper laptops like those from and , leading to its gradual phase-out by the early 1990s following AST Research's 1993 purchase of Tandy's computer manufacturing operations for $105 million.

GridPad Tablet

The GridPad, developed by GRiD Systems Corporation as a of following its 1988 acquisition, was announced and launched in September 1989 as the first commercially successful . Designed primarily for professional and industrial applications, it introduced a slate-style form factor with pen-based input, marking a significant step toward portable beyond traditional laptops. The device featured an Intel 80C86 processor running at 10 MHz, 1 MB of internal RAM expandable via battery-backed cards to 2 MB, and ran a modified version of with a touch overlay for stylus interaction. Its 10-inch electroluminescent display offered a resolution of 640 x 400 pixels in CGA mode, providing clear visibility in various lighting conditions despite its green hue. Weighing 4.5 pounds (2 kg) and measuring 9 by 12 by 1.4 inches, the GridPad included a tethered passive for input, Grid Touch software enabling basic , and a rugged case suitable for field use. Priced at $2,370, it supported PC compatibility through serial ports, PCMCIA slots for expansion, and optional peripherals like keyboards. Adoption focused on niche professional sectors, including for inventory tracking and field in industries requiring real-time documentation without keyboards. Approximately 5,000 units were sold by mid-1990, reflecting modest commercial success amid high costs and limitations like short battery life and the need for printed input. Production of the original model ceased around 1992, though successor variants continued briefly before the line was discontinued. As a precursor to modern tablets, the GridPad demonstrated the viability of touch and for mobile productivity, influencing later designs despite constraints in portability and affordability that hindered broader . Its handwriting recognition innovations, led by designer , laid groundwork for subsequent systems like the .

Innovations

Hardware Design Breakthroughs

GRiD Systems pioneered the clamshell form factor in its 1982 Compass model, featuring a hinged design that allowed the screen to fold flat over the keyboard for protection during transport, enabling the device to fit into a briefcase while maintaining portability. This innovation set a standard for subsequent portable computers by balancing compactness with usability, as the enclosure shielded sensitive components from damage without requiring a separate carrying case. The company's use of for construction marked a significant advance in materials, providing a lightweight yet durable structure weighing 4.5 to 13 pounds (2 to 6 kg) across models, far superior in impact resistance to the plastic casings common in contemporary portables. This alloy not only reduced overall weight for enhanced mobility but also contributed to the device's ability to withstand rough handling in field environments. In display technology, GRiD introduced electroluminescent panels in the Compass series, offering high-contrast amber visuals readable in low-light conditions and suitable for shared viewing, a step up from earlier CRT-based systems. Later products like the GridPad transitioned to reflective LCD screens for improved power efficiency, supporting pen-based input while maintaining visibility in varied lighting. Power innovations included the integration of in early Compass prototypes and models, serving as non-volatile storage that retained data without power, unlike volatile RAM in rivals. Advanced battery systems in subsequent iterations extended runtime to approximately 2-3 hours, a notable achievement for portables reliant on . Ruggedization features, such as sealed enclosures and shock-resistant in the magnesium , were specifically engineered to meet and government specifications, enabling deployment in demanding scenarios like missions and field operations. These designs emphasized vibration and impact tolerance, predating formal IP ratings but aligning with early standards for environmental resilience.

Software and System Architecture

GRiD Systems pioneered software adaptations tailored for portable computing, beginning with GRiDOS, a proprietary multitasking operating system designed for the processor in early devices like the GRiD Compass. GRiDOS featured a and was optimized for resource-constrained environments, including low-power battery operation, enabling efficient multitasking without the overhead of contemporary desktop systems. This OS supported 256 KB of standard memory (expandable to 512 KB) while integrating core applications such as a , , and database manager into a cohesive . As market demands shifted toward standardization, GRiD transitioned to customized variants of starting in 1985 with the GRiDCASE series, incorporating libraries like InteGRiD for seamless compatibility with the original GRiD-OS applications. These adaptations maintained multitasking support on 8086 and later 80286 hardware, with built-in ROM for rapid booting and power efficiency in mobile scenarios. For the GRiDPad tablet introduced in 1989, GRiD modified 3.3 to accommodate stylus-based input, enabling pen-enabled operations through a dedicated handwriting recognition layer developed by that translated gestures into standard commands. User interfaces in GRiD systems emphasized intuitive navigation, drawing inspiration from Xerox PARC innovations to incorporate early graphical elements such as menu-driven dialogs and consistent command structures across applications. The GRiDPad's interface, often referred to in as supporting "touch" input via electromagnetic digitization, allowed direct on-screen interaction, predating widespread adoption of such features in consumer devices. System architecture emphasized modularity, with designs permitting field-upgradable components like RAM modules and storage—initially in the , evolving to HDD in later models—for adaptability in demanding field environments. A ROM-based process optimized startup times and power draw in battery mode, ensuring reliability for military and executive users. From 1985 onward, GRiD achieved full IBM PC compatibility, allowing execution of standard software packages such as and other applications without modification, which broadened adoption in enterprise settings. To support this ecosystem and the company's direct sales approach, GRiD developed in-house tools including a built-in for custom scripting, diagnostic utilities for hardware configuration, and remote software that facilitated on-site customization and maintenance. These tools integrated seamlessly with the modular hardware, enabling sales teams to tailor systems to client needs during demonstrations and deployments.

Legacy

Influence on Portable Computing

The GRiD Compass, introduced in 1982 by GRiD Systems Corporation, is widely recognized as the first commercial laptop computer, establishing the foundational blueprint for modern portable devices through its innovative clamshell form factor and rugged construction. This design, featuring a die-cast magnesium alloy case and a folding electro-luminescent display that protected the screen when closed, directly influenced the aesthetic and functional evolution of laptops in the 1980s, including models from Compaq and Toshiba that adopted similar compact, durable enclosures to appeal to business users. By demonstrating the practicality of integrating a flat-panel screen with a keyboard in a portable chassis, the Compass accelerated the industry's transition from bulky desktop systems and early "luggable" computers to true mobility, setting the stage for widespread adoption of portables in professional environments. GRiD's contributions extended to intellectual property that shaped the market, with the company securing a key patent on the clamshell folding mechanism in 1982, which was licensed to other manufacturers and generated significant royalties throughout the decade. Following GRiD's acquisition by () in 1988, the patent continued to yield licensing fees from firms like , whose T1100 series in 1985 became a by incorporating the protected elements while adding battery power for greater versatility. These royalties and design precedents underscored the Compass's role in validating portable computing's commercial viability, particularly for and sectors, where its non-impact keyboard and resistance to environmental hazards proved essential. This groundwork helped fuel the market's explosive growth in the 1990s, as prices fell and capabilities improved, transforming portables from niche tools to standard office equipment. A pivotal boost to GRiD's credibility came from its adoption by , where the —modified as the Shuttle Portable Onboard Computer (SPOC)—became the first used , flying on missions starting with in 1983 and continuing through 1987 for tasks like mission scheduling and data management. This high-profile application highlighted the device's reliability in extreme conditions, reinforcing its influence on ruggedized portables and inspiring media portrayals of the Compass as the archetypal "space laptop," which symbolized the dawn of ubiquitous .

Military Applications and GRiD Defence Systems

The GRiD , introduced in 1982, was among the first portable computers adopted for applications due to its rugged case and electroluminescent display, designed for environmental resilience including shock, , and extreme temperatures. In the mid-1980s, the U.S. integrated the into maintenance and operational systems, leveraging its portability for field evaluations and support under programs. US forces, including the , also employed the device for field operations, including combat net radio interfaces with units like the TSEC/KY-57, enabling secure in tactical environments. Following the 1993 management buyout of GRiD Systems' operations, GRiD Defence Systems Ltd was established in Wooburn Green, , as an independent British manufacturer focused exclusively on defense-grade rugged . This pivot shifted the company from distributing U.S.-made products to designing and producing hardware tailored for exigencies, such as the GRiDCASE 1537E, a TEMPEST-accredited compliant with electromagnetic standards. A key example is the GRiDCASE 2507, a 7-inch fully rugged handheld tablet qualified for integration on the , supporting mission data loading, systems testing, and EJ200 engine analysis via interfaces like and 429. As of November 2025, GRiD Defence Systems offers deployable solutions for land, sea, and air domains, including IP67-sealed processors, resistive touchscreens, and rackmount PCs configurable for specific connectors and expansions. These systems provide legacy upgrades for older platforms and serve the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) as well as allied forces, with applications in via the system using the GRiDCASE 1510 as an end-user device. 's designs contributed to the development of rugged standards, influencing revisions in later decades. The company remains active in C4ISR, delivering hardware for command, control, communications, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance in harsh environments. Recent milestones include the 2023 celebration of GRiD Defence Systems' 30th anniversary, highlighting its evolution into a specialized OEM with approximately 50 employees. In 2025, the firm announced expanded support for the amid new orders, such as Germany's acquisition of 20 additional jets and a UK-Türkiye deal for 20 more, alongside integrations of cybersecurity features into rugged platforms to enhance secure data handling. GRiD Defence Systems evolved from GRiD UK's sales arm of the original U.S. corporation—founded in —to a standalone post-1993 , severing U.S. ties by 1998 to prioritize sovereign manufacturing of defense hardware. This independence has sustained its role in supplying MIL-STD-810G-compliant systems for operational resilience, without reliance on foreign supply chains.

References

  1. https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/sec/6564/GRiD/
  2. https://www.griduk.com/about/history/
  3. https://spectrum.ieee.org/nasas-original-laptop-the-grid-compass
  4. https://www.computerhistory.org/collections/catalog/102723088
  5. https://www.ithistory.org/db/companies/grid-systems-corporation
  6. https://www.griduk.com/grid-defence-systems-celebrates-its-30th-birthday/
  7. https://www.sigcis.org/weissberger_grid_full
  8. https://computerhistory.org/events/pioneering-laptop-engineering-grid-compass/
  9. https://ardent-tool.com/Tandy/GRID_Company_Backgrounder.pdf
  10. https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/grid-systems-corporation
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/1988/03/17/business/tandy-to-buy-grid-systems.html
  12. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-05-27-mn-40484-story.html
  13. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-04-15-fi-49002-story.html
  14. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0xjp4d244yo
  15. https://www.thecanary.co/uk/news/2025/04/16/palestine-action-grid-high-wycombe/
  16. https://ethw.org/John_Ellenby
  17. https://www.computerhistory.org/events/pioneering-laptop-engineering-grid-compass/
  18. https://www.historyofinformation.com/detail.php?id=962
  19. https://spinoff.nasa.gov/node/9264
  20. https://www.nytimes.com/1983/11/27/business/kaypro-s-bid-to-remain-on-top.html
  21. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1993/05/26/AST-to-acquire-Tandy-PC-manufacturing-operations/9558738388800/
  22. https://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/16/business/company-news-ast-to-pay-reduced-price-for-tandy-pc-operations.html
  23. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1993-07-02-fi-9351-story.html
  24. https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/12/business/international-business-samsung-sells-ast-brand-of-computers.html
  25. https://astmachines.com/1997-samsung-acquires-and-closes-down-ast/
  26. https://www.computerhistory.org/revolution/mobile-computing/18/317/1726
  27. http://oldcomputers.net/grid1101.html
  28. https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/25335/GRiD-Compass-II-1129/
  29. https://airandspace.si.edu/stories/editorial/laptop-space
  30. https://fedtechmagazine.com/article/2017/01/grid-compass-flew-one-nasas-first-notebook-computers
  31. https://interface-experience.org/objects/grid-compass/
  32. https://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/27/technology/john-ellenby-visionary-who-helped-create-early-laptop-dies-at-75.html
  33. https://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/72206/GRiD-GRidCase-1500-Series/
  34. https://classictech.wordpress.com/computer-companies/grid-systems-corp-mountain-view-calif/
  35. https://classicbits.net/library/?opt=87&dev=1138&class1=Portable&desc=Grid_GRiDCase_3
  36. https://classicbits.net/library/?opt=27&dev=1145&class1=Portable&desc=Grid_GridCase_1530
  37. https://www.dosdays.co.uk/topics/1988.php
  38. https://www.historyofinformation.com/detail.php?id=2433
  39. https://www.nytimes.com/1989/09/29/business/new-computer-can-read-handwriting.html
  40. https://www.computerhistory.org/revolution/mobile-computing/18/319/1727
  41. https://oldcomputers.net/gridpad.html
  42. https://macleans.ca/economy/business/the-next-frontier/
  43. https://www.ricomputermuseum.org/collections-gallery/small-systems-at-ricm/gridpad
  44. https://www.techmonitor.ai/technology/tandys_grid_launches_handprint_data_entry_gridpad_in_the_uk/
  45. https://technologizer.com/2010/01/27/the-long-fail-a-brief-history-of-unsuccessful-tablet-computers/index.html
  46. https://classicbits.net/library/?opt=31&dev=1227&class1=Portable&desc=Grid_Compass_1100
  47. https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/computer-onboard-grid-compass-ii-shuttle/nasm_A19890006000
  48. https://bushytree.fandom.com/wiki/GRiDCase
  49. https://www.digibarn.com/collections/systems/grid-compass/index.html
  50. https://www.vintage-computer.com/machines.php?gridpad2050
  51. https://techland.time.com/2012/07/16/clamshell-the-history-of-the-greatest-computing-form-factor-of-all-time/
  52. https://edition.cnn.com/2012/07/17/tech/innovation/clamshell-best-laptop-computing-form
  53. https://www.computerhistory.org/revolution/mobile-computing/18/317
  54. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA198283.pdf
  55. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA189335.pdf
  56. https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA166656.pdf
  57. https://www.griduk.com/products/
  58. https://www.griduk.com/case-studies/
  59. https://open.endole.co.uk/insight/company/02837836-grid-defence-systems-limited
  60. https://www.eurofighter.com/news/germany-places-order-for-20-eurofighter-jets
  61. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/20000-uk-jobs-secured-as-turkey-buys-20-typhoon-jets-in-biggest-fighter-jet-deal-in-a-generation
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.