Enter the portable computer ...

It was an awesome machine that suited well at that time.

The NEC PC8201 portable computer made the work of Bernama reporters so much easier as they could carry it around on assignment to file their stories.

In the early stage of the Bernama computerisation programme, state bureaus were supplied with the portable computer to 
enable them to send stories faster to the headquarters.

The general manager then Ahmad Mustapha Hassan handed the machines to the first batch of three Bernama state representatives -- Ahmad Zukiman Zain (Melaka), Zulkifli Alwi (Negeri Sembilan) and Ahmad Kamil Tahir (Selangor) at Wisma Bernama in early February 1985. 

Zain explaining about the portable computer
to Ahmad Mustapha in February 1985

After a short training conducted by technical expert Encik Zain Che Mat, the reporters were ready and enthusiastic to carry out their task with the new 'sophisticated' gadget. 

Many recalled that it was practically a useful tool,  a nostalgic favourite. It cost about US$900 at that time. 

The off-white machine came with a black case that made it easier and attractive to carry around.

A big difference it made was in its ability to save drafts before reporters could continue with the stories later. Editing was made easy. 

Unlike the noisy typewriter which they had grew accustomed to, the portable computer was a real boon to the reporters as they could type on the keyboard without having to worry about the sound.
That gave them the advantage to bring the computer to long, official sessions like state assembly sittings where they could start filing stories quietly while the meeting took place.

Acoustic coupler

In those early time, Bernama reporters were often the envy of their colleagues from the other press as they were able to do their stories faster with the use of the portable computer.
Once they were ready, all they had to do was to transmit the stories using an acoustic coupler that would connect the computer to the telephone line.