Zenith Z-Note MX
The Z-Note MX is a Pentium-based laptop that was released in 1995 by Zenith Data Systems. The MX was released alongside the Z-Note GT. The GT was the top of the line system, with the MX being a more value-oriented notebook. The MX was a rebadged Compal TS30CP5 with a case modified to fit Zenith's design language.
The Z-Note MX does not have internal CD-ROM support. It does however have a modular bay that could fit either a floppy drive, a second battery, or an internal AC Adapter.
Specifications
| Spec | Details |
|---|---|
| CPU | CPU Type: Socket 5 Intel Pentium @75 or 100MHz |
| Chipset | Unknown |
| RAM | Type: Proprietary Standard: 8MB Maximum: 40MB |
| Hard Disk | 2.5" IDE Uses proprietary adapter?: Sort of, has a cable inside Standard: 420, 540, 777, or 810MB |
| Display Options | - 10.4" Passive Matrix Color @640x480 - 10.4" Passive Matrix Color @800x600 - 10.4" Active Matrix Color @800x600 |
| Graphics Chipset | Chips & Technologies 65545 VRAM: Unknown |
| Audio | ESS AudioDrive 1688 - Stereo Speakers - Microphone |
| Main Battery | NiMH |
| CMOS Battery | 3-cell Varta NiCad (Soldered) |
| Power Supply | Proprietary 3-pin - AC Adapter P/N TSA-5 |
| Disk Drives | Modular Bay supporting the following: - 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy Drive - 2nd Battery - Internal AC Adapter |
| PC Cards | 2x PCMCIA Slots |
| Networking | None |
| Other I/O | - 1x Parallel - 1x Serial - 1x VGA Out - 1x PS/2 - 1x Dock Connector - 1x Line Out - 1x Mic In |
| BIOS | Phoenix |
| Pointing Device | Trackpad |
Resources
BIOS Update Files
| File Name/Link | Description | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 3803-02.EXE | Z-Note MX V. 1.03E. For VGA DSTN **ONLY** | 03-11-1996 |
| 3845-00.EXE | Z-Note MX V. CP60103E. For SVGA DSTN **ONLY** | 03-11-1996 |
| 3808-02.EXE | Z-Note MX SVGA V. CF50103F. TFT active color **ONLY** | 02-22-1996 |
| 3808-01.EXE | Z-Note MX SVGA V 1.03E. TFT active color **ONLY**. | 12-27-1995 |
| 3808-00.EXE | MISSING - Z-Note MX SVGA V 1.02A. TFT active color **ONLY**. | 12-27-1995 |
Common Faults & Maintenance
- The soldered NiCad CMOS battery is highly prone to leaking and must be removed from any working unit to prevent damage. This battery leaking is the most likely cause of a dead MX.
- The plastics are extremely brittle and the hinge mounts at both the base and display must be reinforced with plastics epoxy. Problem is, it's impossible to get to these mounts without breaking many plastic clips. That's just the trade-off that you have to make with one of these.
Gallery
This example is worse for wear, but it still shows what these look like.
Page last updated (MM/DD/YYYY): 11/14/2024
Update Reason: page converted to php
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