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[ IDENTIFIED SYSTEM // IBM PC CONVERTIBLE 5140 ]

IBM PC Convertible 5140 Portable Enclosure

Battery-capable clamshell portable with a hinged monochrome LCD and keyboard; approximately 12.9 × 11.7 × 2.4 in (W × D × H) when closed.

Photograph of IBM PC Convertible 5140 Portable Enclosure
PHOTOGRAPH — I.B.M. Italia (costruttore/ produttore/ progettista), CC BY-SA 4.0 · FILE ON WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

MODEL / REVISION BOUNDARY: The Convertible 5140 has multiple submodels and display/drive configurations; identify type/model and battery/drive option before ordering replacement parts. It is not an IBM PCjr or later ThinkPad.

Enclosure specifications

Exact model / generationIBM PC Convertible Type 5140, first generation (1986); identify the full 5140 model code and installed options.
External dimensionsAbout 12.9 × 11.7 × 2.4 in (W × D × H), closed; dimensions exclude optional carrying case and vary slightly with feet/latch condition.
Form factor / board layoutClamshell portable; IBM-specific planar/display/keyboard arrangement in a nonstandard molded shell, no desktop motherboard standard.
Proprietary power supplyExternal IBM AC adapter plus internal rechargeable battery; the adapter connector/polarity and battery pack are model-specific. No internal ATX PSU.
External bays / portsNo external drive bay; an optional external diskette unit/docking accessories use IBM-specific connectors and are separate equipment.
Internal bays / mountsOne built-in 3.5-inch diskette drive in equipped configurations; internal fixed-disk bay is not standard.
Service / compatibilityUse the 5140 Guide to Operations and Hardware Maintenance and Service manual. Preserve LCD hinge/cable routing, battery contacts and the exact planar; never force an external diskette connector.
Revision identificationThe Convertible 5140 has multiple submodels and display/drive configurations; identify type/model and battery/drive option before ordering replacement parts. It is not an IBM PCjr or later ThinkPad.

Service, restoration & fit notes

Use the 5140 Guide to Operations and Hardware Maintenance and Service manual. Preserve LCD hinge/cable routing, battery contacts and the exact planar; never force an external diskette connector.

External IBM AC adapter plus internal rechargeable battery; the adapter connector/polarity and battery pack are model-specific. No internal ATX PSU.

  • Record the full model/type label, board and power-supply assembly numbers, drive labels and manual revision before disassembly.
  • Preserve original shields, brackets, hinges, feet, keyboard/CRT harnesses and proprietary fasteners with this exact enclosure; do not assume contemporary PC standards apply.
  • Dimensions are approximate where noted; measure the actual specimen and leave clearance for cables, vents, lids/handles and attached peripherals.

Manufacturer & archival manual citations

  1. IBM Convertible 5140 Guide to Operations — Internet ArchiveIBM-published user guide for installation, operation and machine identification.
  2. IBM PC Convertible Hardware Maintenance and Service, 1st ed. (Feb. 1986) — Internet ArchiveIBM maintenance manual covering 5140 service and assemblies.

Manuals may cover only a stated revision or configuration; compare the title page and machine labels before applying procedures.