The MSXBOOK Is A New Laptop Based On The Japanese Home Computer Standard | Time Extension
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from ktec@feddit.uk to retrogaming@lemmy.world on 21 Feb 09:17
https://feddit.uk/post/24516999
from ktec@feddit.uk to retrogaming@lemmy.world on 21 Feb 09:17
https://feddit.uk/post/24516999
The MSXBOOK: Reviving MSX in a Modern Notebook
Introduction to the MSXBOOK
A Chinese company called 8086YES! has introduced an intriguing device named MSXBOOK, which they are selling for $215 on the Tindle web site. The MSXBOOK is a portable laptop that brings back the spirit of the Japanese home computer standard.
Features and Specifications
- 9.7-inch LCD Screen: With a resolution of 1024x768.
- Backlit Mechanical Keyboard
- Speakers and Headphone Jack: A pair of built-in amplified stereo speakers and a 3.5mm audio output jack.
- Battery: Equipped with a 4000mAh lithium battery that promises up to 4 hours of usage.
- Hardware Compatibility: MSX2-compatible and retro computing enthusiasts will appreciate the support for KDL firmware.
Additionally, it features an external cartridge slot, DB9 joystick/gamepad slots, USB ports, and a 4GB SD card storage option.
Turbo Mode Support (Optional)
The “Turbo” speed settings support speeds up to 5.37 MHz or 8.06 MHz.
Given its price point, features, and compatibility options, is the MSXBOOK worth the $215 investment?
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This is so cool! I think I’m going to try and grab one of these despite having very minimal exposure to MSX software
Anyone with a bit more of an idea got any recommendations?
For some reason I’m reminded of the Colecovision and the Colecovision Adam. Did those share any architecture with the MSX devices?
Coleco were more early 80s machines and I think MSX was more late 80s
Though you got me curious, so looking into it just now, they all use Z80 processors apparently! Which I guess is unsurprising given how successful it was in consoles in the 80s.
On the face of things, it looks like MSX has a bit more in the graphic capabilities department, but that’s just me looking at a handful of screenshots, so take that with a pinch of salt
I think the association came from emulation. IIRC, you can sometimes play Colecovision ROMS with the MSX emulator in RetroArch, although it’s been a while since I dealt with this.
It is common to use the
bluemsxcore for ColecoVision emulation. As well as MSX, that core can also emulate the Sega SG-1000.Having said that, we use the
fmsxcore for MSX/2 emulation, andgearsystemfor the SG-1000.Very similar variants of the same CPU and VDU were used in the Colecovision, the MSX, and Sega’s early systems, among others.
I’ve also read that there were several ports from the ZX Spectrum to the MSX, due to them sharing essentially the same CPU at the same clock speed, and the MSX VDU having a video mode that could operate similarly to the Spectrum’s display.
F1 Spirit is a surprisingly good racing game with a killer soundtrack. Metal Gear 1 and 2 are also quite excellent.
I have always wanted a PC-98, hope they make that next.
MSX laptop? Is this freaking La-Mulana?
Excellent reference.
I setup an msx emulator once so I could play Metal Gear.
That is all.