![\"IMG_20150421_175215684\"](\"http:\/\/www.randomorbit.co.uk\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/04\/IMG_20150421_175215684.jpg\")
<\/a>The NEC PC-8401A-LS also known as the Starlet is an interesting\nlittle machine. I don’t remember this from way back in the mid 1980s when it was released but I suppose laptops were not too common as far as I was concerned and so I might have missed it.<\/p>\n
Specifications.<\/h2>\n
The 8401 features “a Z80 compatible” processor. I believe it is
\nan NEC V20, 64k RAM, 96k ROM an 80×16 character LCD and a full
\ntravel keyboard with full sized keys.<\/p>\n
The processor is a bit intriguing as I thought the NEC V20 was an
\n8086 compatible processor with an 8080 mode. I’ll need to clarify
\nthat one.<\/p>\n
Outside.<\/h2>\n
On the right hand side of the case are the on\/off switch and a The left hand side reveals a spring loaded flap covering the The keyboard has the conventional keys as you would expect. In <\/p>\n That will do for now, I’ll write more in the next post.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" NEC Starlet. The NEC PC-8401A-LS also known as the Starlet is an interesting little machine. I don’t remember this from way back in the mid 1980s when it was released but I suppose laptops were not too common as far as I was concerned and so I might have missed it. Specifications. The 8401 features … Continue reading NEC Starlet<\/span> <\/a>The case is a selection of browns and beige and feels very well
\nscrewed together. It is sturdy and feels like it can stand up to
\nthe rigours of portable life. The screen folds down over the
\nkeyboard when not in use as you would expect. The screen itself
\nis typical for the period but by the standards of the 2010’s is
\nsadly lacking contrast and there is no back-light. I understand
\nthat it’s monochrome and that’s fine but the contrast is not
\ngreat, it is very prone to reflections and with no back-light,
\nfinding a good position for typing and a good angle for the
\nscreen is critical. We get so used to the good displays we have
\nnowadays.<\/p>\n
\ncontrast control. At the rear there is a DC input, a reset
\nbutton, and serial, parallel and cassette ports. I am interested
\nto know how well the cassette works with a C\/PM machine. In
\naddition there is a phone line in and a modem out port and a
\n300\/1200 baud switch. The ports are protected by small plastic
\ncovers that have to be removed to use the ports. These will
\neasily get lost and I’m sure my machine is unusual in the all are
\nstill present.<\/p>\n
\nsystem slot into which various expansion modules could be
\nslotted.<\/p>\nKeyboard.<\/h2>\n
<\/a>As I mentioned above the keyboard has full sized keys with full
\ntravel. It’s a very nice keyboard and pretty typical of the age.
\nI’m writing this piece on the machine as I try to do with my
\nportables and it’s one of the nicest keyboards to type on.
\nHowever, having just read back my writing so far there have been
\na lot of mistakes. I am probably not used to it yet.<\/p>\n
\naddition it has five function keys along the top which can be
\ncombined with the shift keys to give ten (obviously). There is
\nalso a “Stop” key. Unusually, the caps lock key locks in each
\nposition. The cursor keys are a group of triangles arranged in a
\nsquare are pointing inwards. You will find a locking “NUM” key on
\nthe left hand side of the space bar. Pressing this makes a number
\npad out of the U I O J K L and M keys.<\/p>\n