Tough Tech: HP 3081 Workstation Terminal

The HP 3081A industrial workstation terminal was one of the earliest personal computing devices made to function in tough environments. Built to allow industrial workers the ability to monitor materials, labor and manufacturing processes in an active production environment, it was resistant to dust, humidity, liquids, shocks and drops, and even strong electromagnetic disturbances. Its limitations were “temperatures below 0°C or explosive atmospheres.”