NEC Versa M-Series
The M-Series Versas were the first NEC laptops to include sound cards, and the first laptops whatsoever to have an optional SVGA (800x600) LCD. Unfortunately for those hoping to use these for DOS games, the sound card chosen only supports WSS, no FM-synth. This means that it will work in Windows, but will be right about useless for DOS games. Regardless, any sound is better than no sound. That aside, these also introduced a DX4-100 processor option, smart batteries, and a special "True Color" model with 24-bit color support.
This model was also sold as the AT&T Globalyst 250.
Model Number Info
- PC-470-XXXX - Versa M/75
- PC-480-XXXX - Versa M/100
- PC-570-XXXX - Versa M75TC (True Color)
- PC-580-XXXX - Versa M100TC (True Color)
This list (from creepingnet) seems to be incomplete? It's also noted that there are "D" (DSTN Color), "C" (TFT Color), "CP" (TFT Color w/ Pen Touch), and "HC" (TFT Color 800x600) designations.
Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | CPU Type: Unknown Intel 486DX4 @75 or 100MHz |
| Chipset | Unknown |
| RAM | Type: Proprietary Standard: 8MB Maximum: 40MB |
| Hard Disk | 2.5" IDE Uses proprietary adapter?: Yes Standard: 250, 320, 540, or 810MB |
| Display Options | - 9.5" Passive Matrix Grayscale @640x480 - 9.5" Passive Matrix Color @640x480 - 9.5" Active Matrix Color @640x480 - 9.5" Active Matrix 24-bit True Color @640x480 - 9.5" Active Matrix Color w/ Pen Touch @640x480 - 9.5" Active Matrix Color @800x600 |
| Graphics Chipset | Chips & Technologies 65545 VRAM: 1MB |
| Audio | Crystal CS4231 (WSS Only) |
| Main Battery | NiMH (7.2V, Smart) (older dumb batteries also supported) |
| CMOS Battery | Unknown |
| Power Supply | Proprietary 4-pin - NEC P/N OP-520-4701 |
| Disk Drives | Modular Bay (VersaBay) supporting the following: - 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy Drive (NEC, direct drive) - 2nd Battery - Additional 2 PCMCIA Slots - "Video Pak" for watching TV |
| PC Cards | 2x PCMCIA Slots - Cirrus Logic Controller |
| Networking | None |
| Other I/O | - 1x Parallel - 1x Serial - 1x VGA Out - 2x PS/2 - 1x Dock Connector |
| BIOS | Phoenix |
| Pointing Device | Trackball |
Common Faults & Maintenance
Brittle Plastic
Same as all the other original Versa laptops, the plastic parts in these are all brittle with age. This will usually cause hinge mount failure and/or stress cracking, but other fragile case pieces can also fail. You'll likely have to reinforce the hinge area plastics with a bit of epoxy.
Page last updated (MM/DD/YYYY): 11/18/2024
Update Reason: page converted to php
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