andrew@frip.WV.TEK.COM (Andrew Klossner) (06/08/91)
I got the brochure on the Zenith Data Systems "MastersPort (tm) 386SL"
notebook. This puppy is designed to crunch ... I've never seen a 386
cache in a notebook before.
The brochure is eight glossy pages, six of which are spent explaining
to executive types why it's nice not to have your notebook's batteries
go dead. The first page shows the keyboard layout, which isn't bad ...
there are duplicate ALT and CTRL keys to the right of the space bar
where INS and DEL should go, and INS and DEL are placed at the upper
right corner. The CAPS LOCK is to the left of the A key where the
CONTROL key should be (in my personal view) but the specs suggests that
you can remap that. Other than that, I have no complaints -- it has
inverted-T cursor keys, shift keys in the right places, unshifted
Home/PgUp/PgDn/End, and all twelve unshifted F keys.
There's a separate mouse port, mounted on the right hand side of the
case. Nice bit of intelligent design there, at least for us
right-handed folks.
Quoting without permission from the brochure:
---------------
CPU AND MEMORY
Processor: 32-bit Intel386SL, 20/5/0 MHz switchable. Socket for
optional 387SX coprocessor.
Memory: 2MB RAM (640K base, 1MB EMS/extended memory) [where's the
missing 384K?] Expandable to 4MB or 8MB RAM using 2MB memory
expansion modules. 128K Flash-BIOS ROM.
Cache Memory: 64K cache memory standard.
DISK DRIVES
Floppy Drive: One 3.5" 1.4MB/720K media sensing floppy drive.
Hard Drive: One 2.5" custom 60MB (19ms, 1:1 interleave) hard drive.
I/O INTERFACES
Serial Port: 9-pin male D connector; asynchronous RS-232C-compatible.
Parallel Port: 25-pin female D connector, bidirectional,
Centronics-compatible.
Video Port: 15-pin female D connector for external VGA video.
Mouse/Keypad/Keyboard Port: 6-pin DIN connector, PS/2-compatible.
(Keypad and keyboard connection requires optional adapter.)
External FDD: 20-pin female D connector.
Power: Connector for AC adapter/charger.
KEYBOARD
Keyboard: Enhanced 82-key layout with 101/102-key functionality.
Full-size, fully sculpted keys set apart with standard spacing. 8
cursor control keys, including separate PAGE UP, PAGE DOWN, HOME,
and END keys, 12 physical function keys, user-programmable CAPS
LOCK and CTRL keys. Quiet key operation. LED mode indicators.
VIDEO
Display: Cold cathode fluorescent (CCFL) backlit black-on-white LCD
screen; 25 lines x 80 characters. 8.85" diagonal viewing area
with true CRT aspect ratio. Adjustable contrast and brightness.
180-degree adjustable tilt. Adjustable backlight timeout feature.
Video Display: Register-level VGA video mode. Color is simulated in
32 corresponding grey levels. 640x480 graphics resolution,
720x400 text resolution. Reverse video.
Video: 16-bit video interface. VGA video support standard with 15-pin
D connector.
EXPANSION SLOTS
Internal: Four proprietary internal dedicated slots: one for modem,
three for memory.
SOFTWARE
Operating System: MS-DOS (pre-installed on hard drive) [what version??].
Windowing Environment: Microsoft Windows Version 3.0 (bundled).
SECURITY
Software: Optional two-level password security in setup.
Hardware: Rear-mounted security loop.
POWER
AC: 110/220 VAC 60/50 Hz, autosensing adapter/charger (included with
system).
Battery: 1.7 AHr NiCad battery pack (adapter/charger and battery
included with system); 1.5-2 hour rapid charge, trickle charge
while operating, red flashing low power LED indicator, green
charging LED indicator, overcharge and cycling protection. Backup
NiCad battery for saving system configuration.
Premier System Management Feature Set: Manual and Auto Standby and
Rest/Resume modes. Panic saves. Unattended communications.
Power control of backlight time-out, mass storage power-down,
internal modem, other serial and parallel devices, "lid-closed"
warning tone, keyclick, and adjustable processor speeds.
PHYSICAL
Size: 12.4"W x 8.3"D x 1.8"H with battery (315mm x 211mm x 46mm).
Weight: With battery -- 6.8 lbs. (3.08 kg.).
Operational Range: 41 to 95 degrees F (5 to 35 degrees C) @ 10 to 80%
humidity (non-condensing).
Storage Range: -4 to 140 degrees F (-20 to 60 degrees C) @ 10-80%
humidity (non-condensing) with 90 minute recovery from extremes.
Regulatory: FCC Class B. UL listed. CSA approval.
Warranty: 1 year limited warranty, carry-in.
OPTIONS
387SX numeric coprocessor.
Proprietary 2 MB memory expansion modules.
External 3.5" 1.4MB/720K media sensing floppy drive.
External 5.25" 360K [why not 1.2M??] floppy drive.
Proprietary Rest/Resume Hayes-compatible internal modem.
Detachable 24-key numeric keypad.
Keypad/keyboard adapter.
Replacement NiCad rapid-charge battery.
Automobile cigarette lighter adapter/charger.Deluxe carrying case.
Copyright (c) 1991 Zenith Data Systems Corp.
---------------
I called the local Heath/Zenith store, the same folks who told me in
May that they expected demo units in mid-June. They now expect demo
units the beginning of July. Curiously, they have *no* firm price
information, which is one really dumb way to run a business IMHO. All
they know is that the base retail price will be greater than $4k.
Disclaimer: I was a ZDS employee during 1978-1980, but I've had no
financial interest in them since.
-=- Andrew Klossner (andrew@frip.wv.tek.com)
(uunet!tektronix!frip.WV.TEK!andrew)