In addition to my interest in vacuum cleaners, I also have a love for vintage computing equipment and software. So when I saw an eBay listing last week for the above mentioned laptop computer I simply could not resist. And as it turns out, I was the only bidder winning it for the start bid.
It is a completely original model with very little wear/damage given its age, and includes an array of paperwork from the original manuals, Windows 95 booklet w/ authentication certificate - plus an unopened America Online (now AOL) leaflet for ten hours of free internet... Dial-up, of course!
The previous owner was kind enough to put a fresh install of Windows 95 on the PC before sending it to me as he had previously upgraded it to 98SE for more convenient use back when 98 was still an operational system in terms of internet browsing. Now neither OS is capable of even light internet surfing. I have not connected this laptop to the internet (although I probably will at some point to test it) but I highly doubt it could load anything more complex than Google.
In its day, this would have been a top of the line model and boasts a 3 1/2 inch floppy drive, 2x PC-card slots and a CD-ROM drive. And not only that, but two USB ports as well. Certainly above standard for the mid 90s. But that said, you paid for it!! I believe the Presario range retailed at around £1,700 ($2,650) when first marketed, and of course with Windows 95 being newly released people were prepared to spend that on a decent system with the revolutionary operating system installed.
As for the specifications, they too are very good for "the day", but of course would be considered unbelievable in today's market.
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">US Product Number: </strong>293720-003</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Microprocessor: </strong>Upgradeable 150 MHz Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology</div>
<div class="para">Processor upgrade expected to be available when Intel makes processor available.</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Memory: </strong>16 MB of SyncDRAM</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Memory Max</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>Expandable to 80 MB</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Video Graphics</strong></div>
<div class="para">
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>128-bit accelerated graphics</li>
<li>3D graphics Flat-panel resolution of up to 800 x 600 x 16M, with external monitor - 1024 x 768 x 256 non-interlaced</li>
<li>Full screen MPEG video playback</li>
<li>24-bit color provides up to 16M brilliant colors, making multimedia applications come to life</li>
<li>Zoom video support</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Video Memory</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>Integrated 2 MB video memory</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Hard Drive</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>1.6 GB hard drive</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Diskette Drive</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>3.5 inch 1.44 MB diskette drive</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Multimedia Drive</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>14 Max CD-ROM drive 14X Max CD-ROM drive data transfer rates may vary from 1200 to 1800 Kbps.</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Display</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>12.1 inch High Contrast STN Display for clearer images and richer color. Contrast ratio provides 30% improvement over standard STN displays.</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Fax/Modem</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>56K modem</div>
<div class="para">The K56flex protocol is designed only to allow faster downloads from K56flex compliant digital sources. Maximum achievable download transmission rates are currently unknown, may not reach 56 Kbps, and will vary with line conditions. Your modem may only download at up to 33.6 Kbps until a free software upgrade to achieve K56flex compatibility is available. Check documentation inside for details.</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Sound</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>PremierSound Audio System 4X Bass Reflex
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Twice the watts per channel, twice the cubic inches compared to existing Presario 1000 Series PCs</li>
<li>High power, low distortion amplifiers for high fidelity sound</li>
<li>High performance stereo speakers with neodymium magnets</li>
<li>Ported bass reflex enclosures increase low-end frequency response</li>
<li>10-stage equalization maximizes output and band width while minimizing distortion</li>
<li>Dynamic Bass Boost provides thunderous bass performance</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para">Eight-hour DisqPlay (Assumes fully charged new battery and moderate loudness)
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Plays CD audio without booting up the PC</li>
<li>Provides a quick and convenient way to enjoy audio CDs for extended hours of listening pleasure</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Keyboard</strong></div>
<div class="para">
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Full-size keys and separate cursor control keys (88 keys) 101-key compatible</li>
<li>Windows 95 keys</li>
<li>Palm rest with SoftTouch texture providing a more comfortable grip and feel</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Pointing Device</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>Touchpad pointing device</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">PC Card Slots</strong></div>
<div class="para">
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Two (2) Type II or one (1) Type III PC card slots</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">External Ports</strong></div>
<div class="para">
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Two USB connectors</li>
<li>Serial RS-232C compatible, DB9 connector (16550)</li>
<li>Parallel EPP standard centronics-compatible interface; DB25 connector</li>
<li>Mouse or keyboard port</li>
<li>RJ11 phone jack</li>
<li>Three Audio (headphone, line-in, microphone)</li>
<li>External monitor port</li>
<li>Port Replicator Connector</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Dimensions</strong></div>
<div class="para">49 x 310 x 254 mm</div>
<div class="para">1.93 x 12.2 x 10 inches</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Weight</strong></div>
<div class="para">3.3 kg (7.3 lbs)</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Security</strong></div>
<div class="para">
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Power-on password</li>
<li>Reinforced security slot; accepts third-party security lock devices</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Power</strong></div>
<div class="para">
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Enhanced Smart NiMH Battery delivers approximately 30% better battery life than our previous NiMH batteries</li>
<li>Smart battery technology provides accurate, instantaneous battery status</li>
<li>Hibernation</li>
<li>Instant-On via sleep</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Options</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong></div>
<div class="para">Port Replicator</div>
<div class="para">16 MB SyncDRAM Memory Modules</div>
<div class="para">Enhanced Smart NiMH Battery</div>
The only problem (although not an unexpected one) with this laptop is that the battery holds no charge at all. If the cable is unplugged the system shuts down immediately and is unresponsive other than the information display showing the battery symbol to advise it is depleted.
A replacement battery can be bought for this model surprisingly enough, but the cost is over £30 so I'm not going to purchase it now, although I'll bear it in mind and may do it if I get the urge to make it truly mobile again and function as intended.
Anyway, I'll leave this thread with some pictures. Please excuse the atrocious quality thereof, my Nokia Lumia 520 died a watery death a few weeks ago and I am now using a cheap Lumia 610 until my contract expires in December and I can upgrade free of charge.
I have to say, as much as everybody (myself included) says that things have gotten so much better with all the advances in computers and the internet, I still think there was something good about the "old days", where you had to save every penny to buy a computer and then take your time with anything on the internet due to the narrowband internet connection. These days if our Fibre Optic internet is even a notch slower than usual we are straight on the phone to the provider complaining. To quote Nik Kershaw - "You don't know when you've got it good".
It is a completely original model with very little wear/damage given its age, and includes an array of paperwork from the original manuals, Windows 95 booklet w/ authentication certificate - plus an unopened America Online (now AOL) leaflet for ten hours of free internet... Dial-up, of course!
The previous owner was kind enough to put a fresh install of Windows 95 on the PC before sending it to me as he had previously upgraded it to 98SE for more convenient use back when 98 was still an operational system in terms of internet browsing. Now neither OS is capable of even light internet surfing. I have not connected this laptop to the internet (although I probably will at some point to test it) but I highly doubt it could load anything more complex than Google.
In its day, this would have been a top of the line model and boasts a 3 1/2 inch floppy drive, 2x PC-card slots and a CD-ROM drive. And not only that, but two USB ports as well. Certainly above standard for the mid 90s. But that said, you paid for it!! I believe the Presario range retailed at around £1,700 ($2,650) when first marketed, and of course with Windows 95 being newly released people were prepared to spend that on a decent system with the revolutionary operating system installed.
As for the specifications, they too are very good for "the day", but of course would be considered unbelievable in today's market.
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">US Product Number: </strong>293720-003</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Microprocessor: </strong>Upgradeable 150 MHz Intel Pentium processor with MMX technology</div>
<div class="para">Processor upgrade expected to be available when Intel makes processor available.</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Memory: </strong>16 MB of SyncDRAM</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Memory Max</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>Expandable to 80 MB</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Video Graphics</strong></div>
<div class="para">
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>128-bit accelerated graphics</li>
<li>3D graphics Flat-panel resolution of up to 800 x 600 x 16M, with external monitor - 1024 x 768 x 256 non-interlaced</li>
<li>Full screen MPEG video playback</li>
<li>24-bit color provides up to 16M brilliant colors, making multimedia applications come to life</li>
<li>Zoom video support</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Video Memory</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>Integrated 2 MB video memory</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Hard Drive</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>1.6 GB hard drive</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Diskette Drive</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>3.5 inch 1.44 MB diskette drive</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Multimedia Drive</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>14 Max CD-ROM drive 14X Max CD-ROM drive data transfer rates may vary from 1200 to 1800 Kbps.</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Display</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>12.1 inch High Contrast STN Display for clearer images and richer color. Contrast ratio provides 30% improvement over standard STN displays.</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Fax/Modem</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>56K modem</div>
<div class="para">The K56flex protocol is designed only to allow faster downloads from K56flex compliant digital sources. Maximum achievable download transmission rates are currently unknown, may not reach 56 Kbps, and will vary with line conditions. Your modem may only download at up to 33.6 Kbps until a free software upgrade to achieve K56flex compatibility is available. Check documentation inside for details.</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Sound</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>PremierSound Audio System 4X Bass Reflex
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Twice the watts per channel, twice the cubic inches compared to existing Presario 1000 Series PCs</li>
<li>High power, low distortion amplifiers for high fidelity sound</li>
<li>High performance stereo speakers with neodymium magnets</li>
<li>Ported bass reflex enclosures increase low-end frequency response</li>
<li>10-stage equalization maximizes output and band width while minimizing distortion</li>
<li>Dynamic Bass Boost provides thunderous bass performance</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para">Eight-hour DisqPlay (Assumes fully charged new battery and moderate loudness)
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Plays CD audio without booting up the PC</li>
<li>Provides a quick and convenient way to enjoy audio CDs for extended hours of listening pleasure</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Keyboard</strong></div>
<div class="para">
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Full-size keys and separate cursor control keys (88 keys) 101-key compatible</li>
<li>Windows 95 keys</li>
<li>Palm rest with SoftTouch texture providing a more comfortable grip and feel</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Pointing Device</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong>Touchpad pointing device</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">PC Card Slots</strong></div>
<div class="para">
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Two (2) Type II or one (1) Type III PC card slots</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">External Ports</strong></div>
<div class="para">
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Two USB connectors</li>
<li>Serial RS-232C compatible, DB9 connector (16550)</li>
<li>Parallel EPP standard centronics-compatible interface; DB25 connector</li>
<li>Mouse or keyboard port</li>
<li>RJ11 phone jack</li>
<li>Three Audio (headphone, line-in, microphone)</li>
<li>External monitor port</li>
<li>Port Replicator Connector</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Dimensions</strong></div>
<div class="para">49 x 310 x 254 mm</div>
<div class="para">1.93 x 12.2 x 10 inches</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Weight</strong></div>
<div class="para">3.3 kg (7.3 lbs)</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Security</strong></div>
<div class="para">
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Power-on password</li>
<li>Reinforced security slot; accepts third-party security lock devices</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Power</strong></div>
<div class="para">
<ul class="with-bullets">
<li>Enhanced Smart NiMH Battery delivers approximately 30% better battery life than our previous NiMH batteries</li>
<li>Smart battery technology provides accurate, instantaneous battery status</li>
<li>Hibernation</li>
<li>Instant-On via sleep</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="para"><strong class="bold">Options</strong><strong class="bold">: </strong></div>
<div class="para">Port Replicator</div>
<div class="para">16 MB SyncDRAM Memory Modules</div>
<div class="para">Enhanced Smart NiMH Battery</div>
The only problem (although not an unexpected one) with this laptop is that the battery holds no charge at all. If the cable is unplugged the system shuts down immediately and is unresponsive other than the information display showing the battery symbol to advise it is depleted.
A replacement battery can be bought for this model surprisingly enough, but the cost is over £30 so I'm not going to purchase it now, although I'll bear it in mind and may do it if I get the urge to make it truly mobile again and function as intended.
Anyway, I'll leave this thread with some pictures. Please excuse the atrocious quality thereof, my Nokia Lumia 520 died a watery death a few weeks ago and I am now using a cheap Lumia 610 until my contract expires in December and I can upgrade free of charge.
I have to say, as much as everybody (myself included) says that things have gotten so much better with all the advances in computers and the internet, I still think there was something good about the "old days", where you had to save every penny to buy a computer and then take your time with anything on the internet due to the narrowband internet connection. These days if our Fibre Optic internet is even a notch slower than usual we are straight on the phone to the provider complaining. To quote Nik Kershaw - "You don't know when you've got it good".
