11 Dec
2004
11 Dec
'04
2:21 p.m.
That series of computers had a battery that fit into the same space as
your power supply. Your power supply was made to substitute for the
battery, same contacts inside as the battery pack, but more convenient
for those who preferred to use AC power. You could, if you wanted, use
the power supply you have externally using a cable from it to the power
connector on the back. As I recall, it was a typical barel-type
connector and a straight through cable. In that configuration it would
charge the battery if you had that plugged in.
100 MB hard drive does sound large for that vintage, but it was probably
a standard 3.5" IDE drive inside and could be swapped with a larger one
than the factory supplied.
Not sure what you mean by "transformer outlet". Look on the side where
the hard drive is, right, near the back. Is there a 25 pin D-connector,
female? If so, that is for a floppy drive to connect up externally.
I doubt that the PS could fry by being plugged into AC without being in
the computer. But I can't say that I've ever tested that. You should
be able to power it up with a simple DC power supply connected to that
barel connector on the back. Isn't it labelled with voltage and current
requirements?
Brian Mahoney wrote:
Maybe that's what's up with mine, since I am
pretty sure it's lost the
CMOS settings. I took the cover off today, astonishingly clean and new
inside, but couldn't find the battery. The HD is 100 megs, which is
pretty unusual from what I've seen.
Couple more questions: There is the PS which takes a regular power
cable and pops out with the push of a button. There is another outlet,
much like a transformer outlet, which came with a cord. Was this for
the external floppy?
As far as the PS is concerned, I'm wondering if it got fried somehow
with being plugged into the outlet but not in the laptop. Strange
setup, really. You could hold the PS in your hand, plug it into the
wall and then into the laptop. Can't believe that in the field it
would be that easy to fry it, though.
All in all it's a damn fine laptop, and this one looks as if it has
never been used. It is spotless! Thanks for the info, crew. If anyone
can add anything, feel free.