# John Ellenby

> British engineer

**Wikidata**: [Q26710974](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q26710974)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Ellenby)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/john-ellenby

## Summary
John Ellenby was a British engineer and computer scientist known for his association with Grid Systems Corporation, a developer of early historic laptops. Born in Cambridge in 1941 and educated at University College London, he was a key figure in the information technology sector. He died in San Francisco in 2016.

## Biography
- **Born:** January 9, 1941 in Cambridge
- **Died:** August 17, 2016 in San Francisco
- **Nationality:** United Kingdom
- **Education:** University College London
- **Known for:** Association with Grid Systems Corporation (developer of historic laptops)
- **Field(s):** Computer Science, Engineering

## Contributions
John Ellenby is primarily recognized for his role within the information technology sector, specifically through his affiliation with Grid Systems Corporation. This organization is noted as a developer of a range of historic laptops and was founded in 1979. As a computer scientist and engineer, Ellenby contributed to the industry during a pivotal time in the development of portable computing.

His career bridged the gap between academic computer science and industrial application. The source material identifies him as a "visionary" in the technology sector. His work is documented in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (ID: 112022). While specific technical patents or paper titles are not detailed in the provided source, his classification as a computer scientist indicates a professional dedication to the study and practice of computing.

## FAQs
### Q: When was John Ellenby born?
A: John Ellenby was born on January 9, 1941, in Cambridge.

### Q: What is John Ellenby known for?
A: He is known as a British engineer and computer scientist associated with Grid Systems Corporation, an organization that developed early historic laptops.

### Q: Where did John Ellenby receive his education?
A: John Ellenby was educated at University College London.

### Q: When did John Ellenby die?
A: John Ellenby died on August 17, 2016, in San Francisco.

## Why They Matter
John Ellenby holds significance in the history of computing as a pioneer associated with the creation of early laptop technology. Affiliated with Grid Systems Corporation—an organization founded in 1979 specifically to develop historic laptops—Ellenby played a role in the transition from stationary to portable computing. His background as a British engineer and computer scientist allowed him to contribute to the industrial service sector during the formative years of the information technology industry. His recognition in major biographical records, such as the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, and the reporting of his passing in major publications like *The New York Times*, underscore his status as a visionary in the field. Without the contributions of figures like Ellenby in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the evolution of portable hardware might have followed a different trajectory.

## Notable For
- **Early Laptop Development:** Key figure associated with Grid Systems Corporation, a developer of historic laptops founded in 1979.
- **Cross-Disciplinary Expertise:** Recognized as both a British engineer and a computer scientist.
- **Academic Pedigree:** Educated at University College London.
- **Biographical Recognition:** Listed in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (ID: 112022).
- **Visionary Status:** Described in obituaries as a "visionary" in technology.

## Body

### Early Life and Education
John Ellenby was born on January 9, 1941, in Cambridge, United Kingdom. He was a male citizen of the United Kingdom and spoke English. He pursued higher education at University College London, a constituent college of the federal University of London.

### Career in Technology
Ellenby operated within the industrial and service sectors as a computer scientist. He is notably affiliated with Grid Systems Corporation, an organization founded in 1979. Grid Systems Corporation is identified in historical records as a developer of a range of "historic laptops," positioning Ellenby within the early vanguard of personal computing hardware.

### Death and Legacy
John Ellenby passed away on August 17, 2016, in San Francisco. His career and contributions to computer science and engineering have been recognized through his inclusion in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. He is described as a visionary in the technology sector.

## References

1. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/27/technology/john-ellenby-visionary-who-helped-create-early-laptop-dies-at-75.html)