Leading Edge Coffee Mug

A typical aspect of any organization's promotional efforts are corporate swag items of various types. Featured here is a mug highlighting the Leading Edge Model M computer with the AT 1332−AL monitor. The photo used on the mug was the same iconic photo used in the early 1980s advertisement campaign seen across many computer−related publications with the Model M depicted with wings symbolizing speed, innovation, and the forward−thinking nature of Leading Edge's technology. The idea was to get people talking about, "what is that computer on your mug?" and start a conversation that could have caused potential customers to more closely explore the Model M as a more affordable alternative to IBM and other IBM clones.

This mug was likely created as a corporate anniversary gift, trade show promotional item, or dealer−distributed giveaway, helping reinforce brand recognition among customers and resellers alike. Corporate swag such as this Leading Edge Model M computer coffee mug were cheap marketing tools that could get the company's image out in the general public, especially in professional settings in the break room around the coffee machine or in corporate board rooms where a large corporate computer purchase may have been considered.

The Leading Edge Model M coffee mug was a standard sized coffee mug holding 11 ounces and measuring 3.75" tall, 4.5" wide including the handle, and 3.25" in diameter. The mug featured a large depiction of the Model M computer with the AT 1332−AL CGA monitor set atop it with a large set of white wings. This picture was placed on the front and back of the mug on a blue background. Displayed on the AT 1332−AL monitor was a large color image of the Leading Edge triple triangle in blue, white, and red.

Marketing efforts involving physical corporate promotional materials such as the Leading Edge coffee mug leave behind tangible artifacts long after the campaign has ended and the product long discontinued. Decades later, this mug would likely no longer be used for daily coffee drinking duty, but more likely as a shelf decoration of a vintage computing enthusiast.