This article discusses the Pocket 386 retro laptop, equipped with a 40 MHz Intel 386 SX processor, 8 MB of RAM, a removable VGA video card and a Yamaha sound adapter. It has a 7-inch IPS display with a 16:9 aspect ratio that can be switched to 4:3 mode. It comes with Windows 3.11 out of the box, but an upgrade to Windows 95 is available. The laptop has a variety of ports for connecting vintage devices and can be purchased on AliExpress for around $300.
Retro novelty
Characteristics of Pocket 386
Pocket 386 pocket computer recreates the atmosphere of a bygone era, being equipped with a 40 MHz Intel 386 SX processor, 8 MB of RAM, a removable VGA graphics card, and a Yamaha sound chip. The portable device has a 7-inch IPS screen with an aspect ratio of 16:9, which can be switched to 4:3 mode via the menu for more authenticity.
Software and interface
The retro laptop comes pre-installed with the Windows 3.11 operating system, however You can upgrade to Windows 95 if you wish. The lack of a trackpad or trackpoint is compensated by the ability to control the cursor using the arrow keys, as well as the question mark and Shift on either side of the up arrow to simulate left and right mouse clicks. To connect vintage peripherals, PS/2, VGA, LPT connectors and a serial adapter with TTL-RS232 are provided.
Portability and acquisition
Compact dimensions of 211 x 122 x 31 mm allow you to easily fit Pocket 386 in a bag or even in a fairly spacious pocket. The laptop is available in black or transparent casing and comes with a 12V charger. Removable covers provide easy access to the battery, sound card and RAM. You can buy this retro novelty on AliExpress, where it has more than 40 reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Several YouTube channels have tested the Pocket 386, including running games. The device costs $300, but there is currently a significant discount.
Glossary
- The Intel 386 SX is a 32-bit Intel microprocessor released in 1988 and operating at 16-40 MHz.
- VGA (Video Graphics Array) is a standard for analog video interfaces developed by IBM in 1987.
- IPS (In-Plane Switching) is a liquid crystal display technology that provides wide viewing angles and high color rendition.
- Windows 3.11 is a 16-bit GUI operating system released by Microsoft in 1992.
- Windows 95 is a graphical user interface operating system released by Microsoft in 1995.
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Discussion of the topic – Retro laptop Pocket 386: revive nostalgia for Windows 95
The Pocket 386 is a compact retro laptop with an Intel 386 SX processor and the ability to run Windows 3.11 or 95. It offers a unique experience of running classic operating systems on a modern, portable device.
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Маргарита
What an interesting concept! Pocket PC with Windows 95 😄 I love the idea of combining retro and modern. The convenient format and affordable price make it an attractive option for nostalgic geeks like me 🤓
Томас
I agree with you, Margarita! For me, the main advantage is the ability to run old favorite games on the native OS, like in childhood 👾 True, without a trackpad, the controls will not be entirely convenient, but for the sake of nostalgia you can bear with it 😅
Грегуар
Eh, nowadays all these old processors and OSes are complete nonsense 🙄 What's the point of buying such junk if modern laptops are much more powerful and functional? It’s better to take something relevant rather than spend money on unnecessary trinkets 💻
Анна
I don't agree with you, Gregoire! 🙅♀️ Retro devices are not just useless toys, but a whole subculture for connoisseurs of computer history. Everyone has their own hobbies 💻👴 In addition, Pocket 386 can be useful for learning or testing old software.
Мануэль
It's a funny thing, but isn't it easier to install an emulator on a modern PC? 🤔 This way there will be many more possibilities: increased performance, support for networks and all kinds of peripheral devices. And the retro interface can be adjusted to suit the style.
Катажина
I don't want to offend anyone, but doesn't the idea of a retro laptop contradict the very concept of portable devices? 🤨 In the 90s, laptops were monstrously bulky and heavy. Pocket 386 looks tiny in the photo, but is unlikely to be easy to use 😬
Маргарита
Katarzyna, I agree that it is not very practical for everyday use. But I think the developers primarily set a goal to recreate the atmosphere of those times 💻⌛ And the compact form factor is just a nice bonus for collectors.
Виталий
But I’m wondering how they implemented emulation of a Yamaha sound card? 🎶 The description doesn't say anything, but if it works authentically, then it's great for old music programs. In general, I would like more technical details.