Or how the underdog took on the big company and what happened next. If you are only interested in the slightest in what went on behind the scenes during the computer wars (let's call them that). Compaq took on the giant that is IBM, something that not really many had done. There had been knockoffs of IBM computers, but Compaq tried to go head to head with a colossus.That does sound insane, doesn't it? But innovation can go a long way. And good ideas do prevail ... well sometimes they do. Sometimes they are only recognized years after the fact. So Compaq came up with the portable PC. This may sound weird with technology far ahead at this point in time. But really this was innovative, and in a time when no one dared to go out of the norm and do something revolutionary. So Kudos to Compaq and the founder ... and if that whetted your appetite, the documentary is delivering on uncovering what went on back then

I was astonished that there was no mention of networking or the role it played in the proliferation of PCs. Digital Equipment Corporation was a leader in networks, power workstations and service in 1998, when Compaq acquired them for $9.6 Billion. Again no mention of this although they said "Compaq merged with HP in 2001" although Compaq's strengths in servers, business consulting and services acquired from Digital, where a major factor in the merger.

"Silicon Cowboys" is a new documentary from Jason Cohen and Steven Leckart and it's about some modern history that most of us just take for granted. It's all about the rise of the Compaq computer company as well as the death of IBM in the PC market…hardly the stuff to excite everyone. Most folks don't really care about the history of computers—they just want their iPhones and PCs to work. But if you are like me, a bit of a geek as well as a retired history teacher, then seeing this film is a must.The film begins in 1981. Three friends are all working for a computer industry giant at the time, Texas Instruments. The three would love to start their own company but they aren't even sure what that company would sell! They'd talked about opening a Mexican restaurant but finally settled on going into the personal computer business. Little did they know that the world would drastically change based on this choice.Up until this time, the IBM Corporation had near sole possession of the personal computer industry. While a few tiny companies sold computers for home use, all the computers used by companies were IBM mainframe, mini and microcomputers. So, the notion of this new company, Compaq, fighting to get into the microcomputer market must have seemed ludicrous. But somehow, these guys succeeded…even if their first 'portable' computer weighed as much and was larger than a sewing machine! How they then managed to eventually beat IBM is amazing and it's just something you'll have to learn when you see this engaging documentary.Okay…I am a geeky history lover. But you, too, may well enjoy this film if you give it a chance—particularly if you are old enough to remember these old days of computing when many folks just thought the home PC would be a fad! The film is well made, always interesting but also works well because most of the people involved in creating Compaq were available to be interviewed and seemed to genuinely like talking about these times.

Greetings again from the darkness. After countless projects spotlighting Steve Jobs and Apple, it's about time the tech-nerdy Texas entrepreneurs behind Compaq get their moment on the silver screen. Filmmaker Jason Cohen turns his camera on Rod Canion, Bill Murto, and Jim Harris … none who have the persona or magnetism of Mr. Jobs … and tells the story of how they took on Goliath IBM at a time when most wouldn't dare.Taking us back to 1981, the 3 friends (and Texas Instruments co-workers) quit their jobs to start a new company – only they have no real plan on what that company should be or even what industry it should be in. There is a re-enactment of a conceptual drawing of a mobile computer on a diner's paper placemat … a drawing that helped them secure a big investment from Ben Rosen at a time when Venture Capitalism was non-existent for technology companies (yep, 35 years ago).Those early days of a slow developing Silicon Valley featured more hobbyists and non-commercial efforts than anything going on these days. Mobile computing was not really even a product category when Compaq stuck a handle on their case … the visuals of businessmen toting them through airports is comical. This was truly the beginnings of the home computer era, and even the tech start-up. The film serves as a historical perspective of the times, while also documenting how Compaq fits into the evolution of the personal computer.It's pretty easy to draw comparisons to the great and powerful IBM ignoring the "little guys" to the 1970's when GM and Ford overlooked Honda and Toyota. It's always easy to chuckle at the arrogance of big corporations, and when Compaq computers were more compatible with IBM software than IBM computers were, it's a real head-scratcher. The dawn of "clones" were more than a thorn in the side of Big Blue (IBM), and eventually it got worse for them. Head-to-head advertising campaigns of IBM's Charlie Chaplin vs. Compaq's John Cleese further emphasized the contrast between those out of touch with those who clearly understood the market.Normally a movie that spends much of its time interviewing such down to earth guys as Canion, Murto and Harris, would feel like it's dragging, but the historical significance is such that contemporary comparisons to Dell, Google, Apple and Facebook keep it briskly on track. Though the electronic background music seems out of place, many viewers will enjoy watching a true story where the nerds win!