Three former Texas Instruments managers founded Compaq Computer Corporation in February, 1982. Rod Canion, Jim Harris and Bill Murto sketched their first product on a paper place mat in a Houston pie shop. That idea lead to a portable personal computer (the Compaq I Portable) able to run all of the software being developed for the IBM PC.
Compaq enjoyed a magnificent run through the 1980s and 1990s. As the price wars heated up during the early 21st century, Compaq fell on hard times. Hewlett-Packard acquired Compaq in May, 2002.
- 1982: February - Compaq Computer Corporation is founded by Rod Canion, Jim Harris, and Bill Murto, all former senior managers of Texas Instruments who were unhappy with how TI was running its computer business and they thought they could do a better job.
- 1982: November - Compaq Computer introduces the Compaq Portable PC.
- 1983: March - Compaq Computer begins shipping the Compaq Portable PC.
- 1983: October - Compaq Computer introduces the Portable Plus.
- 1983: December - Compaq Computer makes its first public stock offering, raising US$67 million.
- 1986: February - Compaq Computer introduces the Compaq Portable II.
- 1986: April - Compaq Computer joins the Fortune 500 list faster than any company in history.
- 1986: April - Compaq Computer ships its 500,000th personal computer.
- 1986: September - Compaq Computer introduces the first 16-MHz Intel 80386-based PC, the Compaq Deskpro 386.
- 1987: October - Compaq Computer introduces the Compaq Deskpro 386/20.
- 1987: October - Compaq Computer introduces the 20-MHz Compaq Portable 386.
- 1987: November - Compaq Computer makes its 1 millionth personal computer.
- 1988: February - Compaq Computer reports sales for the year reach US$1.2 billion, setting the record as the fastest company to reach that mark.
