FIC DESIGNote 486 (VP)
The FIC/LEO DESIGNote 486 (also known as the DESIGNote VP) is a 486-based generic/ODM laptop that was released in 1994. First International Computer (FIC) is the original manufacturer of this laptop, and it is most commonly seen branded as the LEO DESIGNote 486. LEO was a brand owned and operated by FIC directly. This laptop was also sold to other companies who sold them under their own names, including Everex, who sold it as the first model in their STEP Note line.
This laptop was built to be a very modular design, with most parts (including the display) being easily replaceable and upgradeable.
Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | CPU Type: Socket 486 - Intel 486SX @25 or 33MHz - Intel 486DX @25 or 33MHz - Intel 486DX2 @50 or 66MHz - Intel 486DX4 @75 or 100MHz - AMD 486DX4 @100MHz - Cyrix 486DX2 @50 or 66MHz |
| Chipset | PicoPower Evergreen PT-82C268 |
| RAM | Type: Unknown Standard: 4MB Soldered Maximum: 36MB |
| Storage | 2.5" IDE Requires Adapter: Yes Standard: N/A |
| Display Options | - 9.5" Passive Matrix Grayscale @640x480 - 9.5" Passive Matrix Color @640x480 - 9.5" Active Matrix Color @640x480 |
| Graphics Chipset | Western Digital WD90C24 VRAM: 1MB |
| Audio | ESS AudioDrive 488 - Mono Speaker - Microphone |
| Main Battery | NiMH (10-cell, 2400mAH) |
| CMOS Battery | NiCad Varta barrel battery (soldered) |
| Power Supply | Unknown |
| Media Drives | Modular bay supporting the following: - 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy Drive - Modem Module - LAN Module - SCSI-II Module - 2nd Battery |
| PC Cards | 2x PCMCIA Slots (2x Type II/1x Type III) |
| Networking | Modem or LAN modules available for the modular bay |
| Other I/O | - 1x Parallel - 1x Serial - 1x VGA Out - 1x PS/2 - 1x Dock Connector - 1x Mic In - 1x Line In - 1x Line Out |
| BIOS | Phoenix |
| Pointing Device | Trackball (20mm) |
Common Faults & Maintenance
CMOS Battery Leaks
This laptop uses a soldered Varta NiCad barrel battery for CMOS backup. This battery nearly always leaks, and should be immediately removed from any DESIGNote 486 to avoid damage.
Brittle Plastic
I've seen at least one of these with busted plastic around the display hinges, so they definitely suffer from "brittle plastic disease".
Page last updated (MM/DD/YYYY): 02/15/2025
Update Reason: page created
Back-Navigation
Index < Laptop Portal < FIC < DESIGNote 486 (VP)