TeleVideo TPC-1
The TeleVideo TPC-I Portable Computer is an early 'portable' personal computer (in the same sense that early Compaq machines were 'portable') from TeleVideo.
It used a Z80A CPU, and `came with 64KB of memory (expandable to 128K), and two double-sided double-density floppy drives. It ran the CP/M operating system.
Disassembly
Opening one is difficult (which is rumoured to have been intentional). Reassembly is challenging, too, but at least one can see what is happening.
To disassemble, one needs to remove four screws: facing the unit as it sits on the bench (i.e. operating position), there are two screws on the top of the machine at the front corners, and two others on the rear, vertically centered and near each vertical edge (one of them is in the recess where one can store the power and keyboard cables).
The unit disassembles into a top cover that wraps over side-to-side, and a rear piece that holds the majority of the electronics. The bottom piece of the main case holds the power supply, floppy cage and some of the video electronics.
There are plastic 'teeth' that fit into indents at various point along those pieces. For the top cover, the 'teeth' are part of the cover, one per corner. For the back panel, the teeth snap into the top and bottom of the main part of the case. The teeth are also accompanied by a very thin indent in the case piece.
It is difficult to get these things separated, involving a fair amount of force; it may be best to get the back piece free before removing the top piece, with a little help from a putty knife in those indents.
There are screws in the bottom of the case that hold in the power supply and the floppy cage One of the floppy case screws is located underneath the tilt 'foot'.
Reassembly
Be sure you have the logic board inside the screw points for the back panel, but don't put in the screws yet. Seat the top cover with its teeth in place, and insert the two front screws (don't screw down tightly yet).
Then, lever the back panel's teeth into their slots, watching the top cover to be sure it doesn't try to pop off. Insert the two rear screws and tighten. Now tighten the front two screws.
It may take a little jostling to get everything to re-seat completely.
