Northgate Computers: Details & History

In the past, Northgate Computers manufactured a variety of laptop and desktop computer systems, monitors, keyboards, and other computer items. At present, it is more common to see used Northgate laptop computers and keyboards than their other items. Read on to learn more details about Northgate and its history...

Northgate Computers, Inc. was in business for about ten years. According to the website of PC Magazine, Northgate first came into existence in the year 1987. An entry on Wikipedia.org indicates that the company was successful at selling computers via mail-order during the 1990s. In July 1992, the New York Times reported that Marjac Investments purchased fifty-one percent of Northgate Computers. The brand ceased to exist five years later, in 1997.

The "Elegance" line of computers included several models with 386 and 486 processors. It remains possible to purchase parts on the internet for some Northgate products, especially their laptop computers and keyboards. These include AC adapters, batteries, memory upgrades, and keyboard cables. One eBay seller offers to repair OmniKey keyboards for a fee. Some of the parts used in tower-style computers from this brand can be easily replaced with generic units. However, locating other types of proprietary laptop parts (like replacement motherboards or disk drives) can be difficult.

The popular, high-quality Northgate OmniKey keyboard was manufactured in a few different versions, including the 101, 101P, 102, and Ultra. A particular version of the OmniKey 102 had a gold metal Northgate logo, and is more highly valued on eBay than some of the others. The brand also made some less-remarkable keyboards, like the KB-558.

Noteworthy features of the OmniKey included a heavy-duty metal base, easily-replaceable cord, compatibility with many different types of computers, and DIP switches for changing the key layout in various ways. A tool was available for conveniently removing the keys from their sockets, either for putting them in different positions or to clean under them. Some versions had the function keys in a two-key wide column along the left-hand side of the keyboard, while others had them across the top (like most modern keyboards do).

Northgate Computers' history continues to have an impact today, albeit less significantly. Their used equipment can still be found on eBay and CraigsList, and a company called Creative Vision Technologies offers a new OmniKey-like keyboard for sale. Based on information provided by LowEndMac.com, the Avant Stellar keyboard is very similar in appearance and design to the Northgate OmniKey 101.

Sources:

1. PC Magazine, http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=Northgate&i=48077,00.asp

2. Low End Mac, http://lowendmac.com/thomas/06/1213.html

3. Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northgate_Computers

4. New York Times, http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE2D81F30F93AA35754C0A964958260