knudsen@cbnewsd.att.com (michael.j.knudsen) (06/12/91)
I just got a used Compaq Portbale II "sewing machine" portable with an 8 MHz 286. The motherboard is maxed out at 640K, and I'll probably want to add more. (1) Can you still buy Compaq's memory upgrade cards for this beast? One is really neat, since it lies under the motherboard and plugs into a special socket underneath, so doesn't waste a card slot. Compaq also once had a more normal slot card for RAM, tho I think you have to max out the under-side card first. (2) If "No" to (1), or Compaq's price is too high, does any 3rd party make Compaq RAM upgrade cards? (3) Is there a hack to replace the one bank of 64K RAM chips (128K total) on the motherboard with 256K chips (512K total), thus bringing the motherboard itself up to 1 Meg? (4) The official Compaq upgrades leave an address hole between 640 and 1024. Will that mess up applications that look for extra RAM in there? I think that area is called "Expanded" and above 1 Meg is called "Extended", is that right? Some non-RAM questions: (5) Can this cute box be upgraded to EGA or VGA? I heard you could if you replaced the BIOS ROM with "Revision F." (6) Can a 2nd floppy be stuck on externally? It has one 360K plus a 20MB hard drive, both 1/3-height. (7) Can the speed be hacked above 8, and/or below 6, MHz? (8) How come I can't adjust the keyclick volume? CTRL-ALT-Plus/Minus is supposed to turn it up and down, but no effect. All other funny key chords in the manual work fine. Thanks for any info at all on this classic computer -- mike k PS: I paid $550 for the thing, in nice condition. Good deal? Should I just pass on the upgrades before I invest the equivalent of a new 386 system? ^-) -- "What America needs is A Thousand Points When Lit..." knudsen@ihlpl.att.com