RDI PowerLite

The RDI PowerLite is a series of SPARC-based laptop computers marketed by RDI Computer Corporation, now owned by Tadpole Computer.

PowerLite models were all based on Sun's sun4m architecture, and were fully compatible with all operating systems and software developed for them. All models had support for two 2.5" SCSI hard drives and one floppy drive or PCMCIA adapter, or three 2.5" SCSI hard drives. 104-key keyboards and trackballs were also included. In addition, there were docking stations available, with SBus slots and additional 3.5" hard drive bays.

A ruggedized model was also released, the RUGGEDIZED PowerLite, with one floppy drive and PCMCIA standard, and an optional CD-ROM or DAT drive.

Model	CPU	CPU MHz	Framebuffer	LCD options	Base RAM	Max RAM	Weight	Similar Sun model
PowerLite 50[1]	microSPARC	50 MHz	cgthree	10.4", 640x480, 256 color, 65,535 color palette 10.4", 1024x768, 256 color, 512 color palette	16 MiB	80 MiB	8.5 pounds (3.9 kg)	SPARCclassic
PowerLite 85[2]	microSPARC II	85 MHz	Turbo GX	10.4", 640x480, 256 color, 262,144 color palette 10.4", 800x600, 262,144 colors[3] 10.4", 1024x768, 256 color, 512 color palette	32 MiB	128 MiB	8.5 pounds (3.9 kg), later 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg)	SPARCstation 5
PowerLite 110	microSPARC II	110 MHz	Turbo GX	10.4", 640x480, 256 color, 262,144 color palette 10.4", 800x600, 262,144 colors 10.4", 1024x768, 256 color, 512 color palette 12.1", 1024x768, 4,096 colors[4]	32 MiB	128 MiB	8.5 pounds (3.9 kg), later 7.5 pounds (3.4 kg)	SPARCstation 5
RUGGEDIZED PowerLite[5]	microSPARC II	110 MHz	Turbo GX	10.4", 640x480 10.4", 1024x768	32 MiB	128 MiB	30 pounds (14 kg)	SPARCstation 5
PowerLite Turbo 170[6]	TurboSPARC	170 MHz	Turbo GX	12.1", 800x600, 262,144 colors 12.1", 1024x768	32 MiB[7]	256 MiB	7.5 pounds (3.4 kg)	SPARCstation 5

Notes

1. (1994-05) PowerLite Personal Workstation Hardware Reference Guide RDI Computer Corporation. Accessed 2010-01-31.
2. (1995-01-31) RDI Computer Corp. introduces PowerLite 85; first portable SPARC workstation to combine 85-MHz speed with multi-gigabyte storage and an accelerated high-resolution display. The Free Library. Accessed 2010-02-01.
3. (1995-09-06) RDI Computer Corp. reduces prices by up to 62 percent and adds new features; Pricing for the PowerLite family of powerful, portable UNIX workstations now starts at under $6,000. The Free Library. Accessed 2010-02-01.
4. (1996-06-05) RDI delivers first SPARC-based portable workstation to incorporate a 12-inch (300 mm), high-resolution display. The Free Library. Accessed 2010-02-01.
5. (1995-06-06) RDI Computer introduces the RUGGEDIZED PowerLite; the first 110-MHz SPARC-based portable workstation for government and industrial use. The Free Library. Accessed 2010-02-01.
6. (1996-12-16) RDI Computer Corporation Ships Industry's Fastest SPARC Notebook. The Free Library. Accessed 2010-02-01.
7. RDI Products (PowerLite Turbo 170) RDI Computer Corporation. Archived from original 1997-01-02.