【Fujitsu】 FM R Series

Three models -- the FM R-60, R-50 and R-30 -- were announced in January 1987 as the successors of Fujitsu's FM16β (Beta) business PC. The FM R-60 was a high-end model about 30% faster than the previous FM16βFD. It employed 1,120x750dot high-resolution graphics, and had 24-dot kanji (Japanese character) display capability. The FM R-50 was a high cost-performance model with the same performance as the FM R-60 and 640x480dot graphics. The FM R-30 was a space-saving model which incorporated a 640x480dot large display and a 3.5-inch floppy disk drive in a compact body with a unique "inverted T" design. The previous FM16β(Beta) had high-level hardware, with high-speed and outstanding functionality. However, due to a delay in support for MS-DOS, there was a lack of available software. Therefore, in the FM R Series, MS-DOS was adopted as a standard feature, and the system was developed as a true business computer. This series had the following features (the R in "FM R Series" stood for "Refresh" and "Revolution")

1. The series followed 8086 CPU, and merged into the MS-DOS
2. It allowed selection to suit user requirements by providing a hardware series (FM R-30/50/60 -- 3 models and 6 types)
3. Uniform Japanese input (OASYS kana-kanji conversion function)
4. Provided FM-OASYS for achieving integration with the OASYS Series of Japanese word processors
5. Equipped with a wide range of communication functions, such as host connection, PC communication and LAN capability
6. A full line of hardware and software needed for use as a business PC

Later, the FM R-70, a model equipped with the 32-bit 80386 CPU was added for enhanced performance. Other models were also commercialized: the space-saving transportable FM R-30BX (1987) and FM R-30HX (weight approx. 9kg, 1988), and the laptop FM R-10LT (battery drive with continue use time of 1-4 hours, weight 5kg, 1988) and FM R-50LT (FM R-50 compatible, laptop PC with plasma display, weight approx. 7.6/7.5kg, 1988). The FM R Series was Fujitsu's flagship business PC until the appearance of the AT compatible FM-V in 1993. The specifications of the FM-R Series were publicly disclosed, and the Panacom M Series was commercialized by Matsushita Electric.