The Altos 686 offers support for up to six users in a compact desktop conputer. The Intel 80286 operates at 7.5MHz without wait states, providing high performance for a variety of business applications at a relative low cost per user price for the time. There were a variety of memory and mass storage options available in three models. The machine uses a Z80 I/O processor to support up to 5 users plus a printer, or 6 users.

All models include 512kB of RAM and may be expanded up to 2.5MB with 1MB expansion boards. An optional 80188 based WorkNet LAN board allowed access to the Altos WorkNet LAN network while including an extra serial port to support a 6th user.

The system ran XENIX 3.0, an enhanced version of the UNIX system III Operating System. Two modules were available: XENIX Run Time and XENIX Development System.

Features

• 80MByte HDD expansion enclosure
• Z-80 based I/O processor, supporting 6 serial I/O ports
• Optional 60MByte 1/4" Tape drive
• Optional 80188 based WorkNet LAN board
• Optional Floating Point Co-processor
• Binary code compatible with other Altos 80286 systems
• Application compatible with other Altos 80286 systems
• Application compatible with PC/AT software under Xenix.

Configuration of the 686

Here are the three different configurations that the Altos-686 was sold in:

• Model 686-25

  6 I/O ports, 512kB RAM, 25MB HDD, No tape

• Model 686-50

  6 I/O ports, 512kB RAM, 50MB HDD, Optional Tape

• Model 686-T50

  6 I/O ports, 512kB RAM, 50MB HDD, 1/4" 60MB Tape

The Intel 80286 is a 16-bit microprocessor introduced in 1982. It was the first 80x86 processor with a separate, address and data bus, the first to introduce protected virtual address mode or protected mode, as well as built in memory management abilities. The 80286 is instruction compatible with the 8086 and the 8088 processors. It contained all the 8086, the 80186 instructions, and also new instructions to handle protected mode.

Source: WikiPedia - Intel 80286