Port-A-ADAM - Portable ADAM Computer System

The Port-A-ADAM is a legendary, ultra-rare custom modification service and system hardware kit offered in the late 1980s and 1990s by ADAM's House (later known as eColeco). Run by Terry Fowler, ADAM’s House/eColeco was the premier mail-order vendor and clearance house for parts, software, and hardware modifications after Coleco abandoned the machine in 1985.

The Port-A-ADAM was designed to convert the notoriously bulky, multi-component Coleco ADAM home computer system into a single, cohesive, transportable "luggable" setup.

The Problem It Solved

The factory Coleco ADAM setup was an ergonomic nightmare to travel with. It consisted of three massive, separate components linked by thick cables: the main Memory Console, a full-sized keyboard, and the massive SmartWriter Daisy Wheel Printer. Because Coleco engineered the system's power supply inside the heavy printer housing, users couldn't leave the printer behind—even if they only wanted to play a ColecoVision cartridge at a friend's house.

Port-A-ADAM Engineering & Features

To achieve true portability, ADAM’s House re-housed the core elements of the ADAM architecture into a heavy-duty, suitcase-style enclosure reminiscent of early luggable computers like the Osborne 1 or the Kaypro:

• Integrated Power Supply: The system bypassed the factory SmartWriter printer entirely. It integrated an internal, multi-rail aftermarket switching power supply directly into the portable chassis, feeding the console its necessary +5V, +12V, and -5V lines.
• Built-in Component Housing: The case unified the ADAM Memory Console motherboard, its high-speed Digital Data Pack (tape) drives, and sometimes an optional 5.25-inch disk drive into a single mounted unit.
• Display Capabilities: While it featured composite audio/video breakouts on the case to plug into any standard television, some premium configurations or custom user builds of the Port-A-ADAM incorporated a small internal monochrome CRT or LCD monitor.
• Fold-Up Keyboard Entry: The layout allowed the standard ADAM keyboard to clip securely into the lid or base of the carrying case for safe transport.

Historical Rarity

Because the Port-A-ADAM units were custom-built to order by Terry Fowler using a mix of salvaged custom cases and aftermarket components, they were highly expensive and produced in very limited numbers. Today, they are considered holy grail items for Coleco hardware collectors. Most surviving documentation exists inside physical scans of vintage NIAD (National Independent ADAM Digest) newsletters or old software catalogs distributed by ADAM's House