First in a line of desktop sized
VAX workstations, the
VAXStation 2000 was
DEC's answer to
Sun's
3/xx series graphical workstations. It contained a 1-bpp framebuffer for using the
DECWindows graphical environment. As far as processing power goes, this machine achieved 0.9
VUPs, which puts it in the same class as the
MicroVAX-I series machines. Due to its small size, there was little expandability. A
full height 5 1/4" drive bay allowed for an internal MFM interface drive, and a memory expansion slot and a communications slot provided for up to 12MB of RAM and thin
ethernet. Both
VMS and
Ultrix could be run on this machine.
What is most striking about this machine, however, is its size. Previous to the
VAXStation 2000, the smallest VAXen required at least a
dolly to move considerable distances. The VAXStation 2000, while by no means an easily portable computer, could be lifted one-handed using its built-in carrying handle.