Dell Latitude XPi CD
Case Model: PPS
Sub-models: P150ST, M166ST
3-spindle Desktop Replacement laptop, originally released in late 1996 and later updated in 1997. The XPi CD was an updated version of the regular XPi that included improved specifications and a built-in CD-ROM drive. These may have been the last laptops sold with a built-in trackball.
Power Supply Note
Despite what some sources say online, the XPi CD does NOT use the same power supply that the Latitude CPi and other C-Series Latitudes do. The plug looks very similar, but the charger for one will not fit. It is possible to use a C-Series supply if you modify either the plug or the charger to make it fit. The pinout is the same, and the voltage isn't different enough to make a difference.
Photo from Chris Logan.
Specifications
Spec |
XPi CD P150ST |
XPi CD M166ST |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Around November 1996 | Around June 1997 |
| CPU | Intel Pentium @150MHz (16KB Cache) | Intel Pentium MMX @166MHz (32KB Cache) |
| Chipset | Pico Power Vesuvius-LS | |
| RAM | Type: 2x EDO Slots Standard: 16MB soldered Maximum: 48MB |
Type: 2x EDO Slots Standard: 16MB soldered Maximum: 80MB |
| Hard Disk | 2.5" IDE Uses proprietary adapter: Yes Standard: Unknown |
|
| Display Options | 12.1" TFT/Active Matrix LCD @800x600 | |
| GPU | NeoMagic MagicGraph 128V (NM2090) VRAM: 1.1MB |
NeoMagic MagicGraph 128ZV (NM2093) VRAM: 1.1MB |
| Sound | ESS AudioDrive 1888 | ESS AudioDrive 1887 |
| Main Battery | Lithium Ion | |
| CMOS Battery | 6-cell NiCad | |
| Power Supply | External, XPi 3-pin proprietary, P/N 81407 | |
| Media Drives | 3 Spindle - 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy Drive - CD-ROM Drive |
|
| PC Cards | 2x PCMCIA Slots - TI PCI 1130 controller |
2x PCMCIA/CardBus Slots - TI PCI 1131 controller |
| Networking | None | |
| I/O | - 1x Parallel - 1x Serial - 1x VGA Out - 1x PS/2 - 1x Dock Connector - 1x Mic In - 1x Line In - 1x Line Out - 2x Infrared |
|
| BIOS | Dell BIOS (Phoenix-based) | |
| Pointing Devices | Trackball | |
Resources
 Drivers (P150ST) |
Drivers (M166ST) |
 Service Manual |
Service Manual Update |
Reference Guide |
|---|
Common Faults & Maintenance
CMOS Battery Leaks
The XPi CD uses a 6-cell NiCad (I think it's NiCad, it may be NiMH) CMOS battery. This battery is highly likely to leak and damage critical components in the laptop. If you own an XPi CD, it needs to be removed.
Hinge Failure
I've seen a few XPi and XPi CD laptops with broken plastic around the display hinges, as is common in 90s laptops. The plastic is likely brittle, handle these with care. They're far from the worst I've seen though, most show up for sale intact or mostly intact.
Gallery
Coming soon
Page last updated (MM/DD/YYYY): 01/13/2025
Update Reason: image replaced, a couple notes updated
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