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 | Intel 486DX4 @75 or 100MHz |
| RAM | 8MB soldered, up to 40MB supported. |
| Hard Disk | IDE 2.5" 250, 320, 540, or 810MB Standard - Uses proprietary adapter (VersaPak) - BIOS-limited to 1GB without overlay software |
| Display Options | LCD can be removed, hot-swapped while the laptop is on, and reversed without any tools. - 9.5" Passive Matrix Grayscale LCD @640x480 - 9.5" Passive Matrix Color LCD @640x480 - 9.5" Active Matrix Color @640x480 - 9.5" Active Matrix Color w/ Pen Touch @640x480 - 9.5" Active Matrix Color @800x600 - 9.5" Active Matrix 24-bit True Color @640x480 |
| Graphics Chipset | Chips & Technologies 65545 - 1MB VRAM |
| Audio | Crystal CS-4231-KQ |
| Main Battery | NiMH 7.2V Smart Battery - older dumb batteries also supported |
| CMOS Battery | At the very least has a NiCad reserve battery in there |
| Power Supply | Proprietary 4-pin - NEC Part Number OP-520-4701 |
| Disk Drives | Modular Bay (VersaBay) supporting the following: - 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy Drive - 2nd Battery - Additional 2 PCMCIA slots - Video Pak for watching TV |
| PC Cards | 2x PCMCIA Slots - Cirrus Logic Controller |
| Networking | None built-in |
| Other I/O | - 2x PS/2 - 1x Parallel - 1x Serial - 1x VGA Out - 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): 10/01/2024
Update Reason: pages consolidated
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