computer science

GridCase

GridCase is a computer science topic covered in the lgStudy science library. This page brings together a partial reference excerpt, illustrations, worked examples, real-world applications and a short study plan, so you can understand GridCase rather than just read about it. In short: GridCase (stylized as GRiDCASE) is a line of rugged tablets and laptops by Grid Systems Corporation released as a successor of the GRiD Compass line. The first model was released in 1985.

Key takeaways

GridCase belongs to computer science; place it in that map before memorising details.
Learn the definition first, then one example that makes the definition concrete.
Connect GridCase to a quantity you can measure, compute or draw — that is where exam questions come from.
Reproduce the core statement of GridCase from memory before moving on to harder problems.

Reference excerpt

GridCase (stylized as GRiDCASE) is a line of rugged tablets and laptops by Grid Systems Corporation released as a successor of the GRiD Compass line. The first model was released in 1985.

Models

Former line

GRiDCASE 2 1985; low-contrast LCD screen with green background (instead of orange/yellow plasma screen with black background on a Compass laptops). This model was based on a MSDOS 2.11 and a bunch of apps burned on ROM that fit in the ROM tray in front.

GRiDCASE 3 1986; returning to a plasma screens (but with red/orange text color and wide aspect ratio). The internal power supply can be ejected and a battery-pack is installed in its place. 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-case-3

GRiDCASE 3 Tempest 1986; the rugged version of GRiDCASE 3 with electromagnetic protection. 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-case-tempest

GRiDCASE 1520 1988; can be equipped with plasma or LCD screen. Was based on a 286 CPU. 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-case-1520

GRiDCASE 1530 Source:

The modification of 1530 – the Grid GRiDCASE 1535EXP is a rugged laptop with a 80386 CPU, an optional 80387 floating-point processor and up to 8 Mbyte of DRAM. It was first flown into space in December 1992 on the STS-53 for use of the HERCULES geolocation device. The 1535EXP was also the first rugged portable PC to attain full TEMPEST accreditation from the NSA. Another modification – the Grid GRiDCASE 1537EXP – has another screen (640×480 instead of 640×400, but with less physical size). The power input is 100–240 V AC 50/60/400 Hz, 80 W. The 400 Hz utility frequency is common on airplanes and submarines. 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-case-1537e

GRiDCASE 1550 1990; This model has an integrated pointing device, and was based on an Intel 80386sx processor. The 1550sx version has 4 MB RAM, a 100 MB hard disk, a 1.44 MB floppy drive, a hardly visible B/W VGA-LCD screen, a built in 2400 bps modem and weights 5.5 kg (12 lbs.) without battery or power supply. 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-case-1550sx

Tandy GRiD laptops In the period from 1990–1994, the Tandy Corporation together with GRiD Systems Corporation produced the following models: GRiD 1450SX – 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-1450sx GRiD 1810 – 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-1810 GRiD 1660 and 1660C – 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-1660 GRiD 1680 and 1680C – 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-1680 GRiD 1720, 1750, 1755 – 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-1755 GRiD 4025N and 4025NC – 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-4025nc

GRiD Defence Systems GRiDCASE Reintroduced in 1995 line.

GRiDCASE 1580 There is also a Tempest version of this model (1580T). Pentium and pointing stick (initial model, 1995) or Pentium II and touchpad (1580 XGA, 1998). 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-case-1580 3D view: http://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-case-1580-tempest 3D view: https://vintage-laptops.com/en/grid-case-1580-XGA

GRiDCASE 1590

GRiDCASE 1510

Illustrations

Worked examples

Example 1 — a first encounter with GridCase

Start with the simplest possible case. Write down what GridCase claims or describes in one sentence, then invent the smallest concrete situation in which that sentence is true. In computer science, the smallest case is usually a single object, a single equation or a single measurement. Check that every symbol or term in your sentence has a meaning in that case.

Example 2 — changing one variable

Take the situation from Example 1 and change exactly one quantity: double it, halve it, or set it to zero. Predict what should happen to GridCase before you calculate. Comparing your prediction with the result is the fastest way to find out whether you understand the idea or only the words.

Example 3 — an exam-style question

Typical questions about GridCase ask you to (a) state it precisely, (b) apply it to given data, and (c) explain a limitation. Practise writing all three answers in under five minutes; the third part is what separates a full-mark answer from an average one.

Applications of GridCase

In research: GridCase appears in computer science research whenever the underlying quantities have to be modelled precisely. Papers usually cite it as a starting assumption and then explore where it breaks down.
In technology and industry: Engineering practice reuses GridCase in design rules, simulations and safety margins. Knowing the idea lets you read a specification sheet and understand why the numbers look the way they do.
In the classroom: GridCase is common in secondary-school and first-year university syllabi. It links to neighbouring topics Computer-related introductions in 1985, Computer hardware stubs, Early laptops, so understanding it makes those chapters shorter.
In everyday life: Look for GridCase outside the textbook — in sport, cooking, traffic, electronics or the sky above you. An example you found yourself is remembered far longer than one you were given.

Affiliate

Preply — study more efficiently by working with a personal tutor. 50% off.

How to study GridCase in 20 minutes

Read the reference excerpt below once, without taking notes.
Close the page and write down what GridCase means in your own words.
Compare your version with the excerpt and mark what you missed.
Work through the three examples above with pen and paper.
Explain GridCase out loud to somebody else — or to Teacher Smith in the lgStudy chat.

Frequently asked questions

What is GridCase in simple terms?

GridCase (stylized as GRiDCASE) is a line of rugged tablets and laptops by Grid Systems Corporation released as a successor of the GRiD Compass line. The first model was released in 1985.

Why does GridCase matter?

Because it connects several computer science ideas at once: it gives you a definition you can apply, a quantity you can calculate, and a way to check whether a result is plausible.

How should I study GridCase?

Read the excerpt, restate it from memory, then work through the examples and applications listed on this page. The five-step study plan above takes about twenty minutes.

What does this page cover?

It gives you a compact reference excerpt plus original lgStudy explanations, examples, applications and study material on GridCase.