WinBook's first computer was the 486SLC-25, a laptop that was (you guessed it) powered by a Cyrix 486SLC Processor, clocked at 25MHz. They followed this model up at some point shortly after with what they called the "SX DX". Despite this naming, the only models I could find any images or listings of are the 25MHz 486SLC and SX models, so I guess the DX models weren't hot sellers. The archived SX DX FAQ makes mention of 33 and 50MHz DX varients, and the SX-25 models apparantly can be upgraded to the faster processors. All SLC/SX DX models have the same external case design, with the only difference externally being a thicker display housing for the color models.
Like most other small laptop brands during the 1990s, WinBook did not manufacture these laptops themselves. Instead, they went through Jetta Computers Co. LTD, an Original Design Manufacturer (ODM), who manufactured the laptop for WinBook. However, unlike most other ODM laptops, it appears WinBook at least played a hand in designing it. I'm not sure to what extent though - I do know that the keyboard and palmrest design was done by Palo Alto, not sure about the rest.
Evidence that Jetta manufactured the original WinBook is clear though - the label on the bottom has their name on it. Jetta also at some point began selling this same laptop themselves under their Jetbook line.
| Spec | WinBook SLC | WinBook SX/DX | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | Cyrix 486SLC @25MHz | Intel 486SX @25MHz or 486DX @33 or 50MHz | 486SLC chip is labelled 33MHz on my WinBook SLC. I'm not sure which speed it's actually running at. |
| Coprocessor | Optional Cyrix FasMath CX83S87, socketed | Unknown | |
| RAM | 4 or 8MB, proprietary card | 4, 8, 16, or 32MB, proprietary card | I don't currently know whether RAM is compatible between models. |
| Standard HDD Sizes | 85-340MB | 120-340MB | WinBook doesn't recommend going above 340MB on either due to "BIOS considerations". I have a 2GB drive running in my SX WinBook. It wasn't properly recognized by the BIOS but works great with the EzDrive overlay software. |
| HDD Type | 2.5" IDE | ||
| Uses Proprietary HDD Adapter? | No | Uses a ribbon cable coming off the motherboard, it is possible that someone could just pull the cable out with the drive. Cable has standard IDE on the end though. | |
| Display (Grayscale) | Hitachi 9.4" Passive Matrix (FSTN) Grayscale LCD @640x480 | This display does not have any electrolytic capacitors. | |
| Display (Color) | Sharp 9.4" Passive Matrix 256-color LCD @640x480 | Has through-hole electrolytic capacitors. | |
| GPU | Cirrus Logic CL-GD6420 (Mono), or Chips & Technologies 65530 | Chips & Technologies 65530 | |
| VRAM | 512KB | ||
| Sound | PC Speaker Only | Speaker is rather quiet. | |
| Operating System (Shipping) | Microsoft Windows 3.1 | ||
| Main Battery | 8-cell NiMH (Sanyo) | Watch to make sure it isn't leaking. | |
| CMOS Battery | VARTA 3-cell NiCad (2-pin connector, 3/V60RT Cells) | This battery is highly likely to leak. Remove it if original. | |
| Power Supply | External, proprietary 4-pin - Jetta Computers Co., LTD. Model UCT-90042-16 | ||
| PC Cards | 1x 8-bit PCMCIA | 1x 16-bit PCMCIA | |
| Expansion | Dock Connector | ||
| Internal Drives | 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy Drive (Mitsumi) | Drive uses a belt. I do not currently know the specifications for a replacement. | |
| Networking | Internal Modem | ||
| I/O (Other) | VGA Out, Serial, Parallel, PS/2 | PS/2 port only works with a mouse. A keyboard adapter that shipped with the computer is required to attach an external keyboard to the port. | |
| Pointing Device | Trackball | My SLC unit uses microswitches for the click buttons, so they feel like traditional mouse buttons. My SX DX on the other hand has more standard push-buttons. | |
| BIOS | AMI | SystemSoft | Web FAQ for the SX DX claims it uses the PhoenixBIOS, but my unit has SystemSoft. |
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