--- title: NEC PC 8401A categories: - Computers types: - Portable origins: - Japan years: - '1984' cpus: - Z80 - CMOS version params: name: PC 8401A image: /media/museum/photos/nec_pc8401_1.jpg company: /companies/nec company_name: NEC specs: - label: NAME value: PC 8401A - label: MANUFACTURER value: NEC - label: TYPE value: Portable - label: ORIGIN value: Japan - label: YEAR value: '1984' - label: KEYBOARD value: Full-stroke 68 keys with 5 function keys and 4 cursor keys - label: CPU value: Z80 - CMOS version - label: SPEED value: 4 MHz - label: RAM value: 64 KB - label: ROM value: 96 KB (BIOS and application software) - label: TEXT MODES value: 80 columns x 16 lines (6 x 8 matrix) - label: GRAPHIC MODES value: Unknown - label: COLORS value: Monochrome - label: SOUND value: Unknown - label: SIZE / WEIGHT value: 11.8'' x 8.4'' x2.8'' / 4.7 lbs - label: I/O PORTS value: Serial RS-232, Parallel, Tape recorder, Bus connector, Modem and phone line plugs - label: BUILT IN MEDIA value: Optional Data recorder + optional 3.5'' disk-drive - label: OS value: CP/M 2.2 + 4 built-in software (WordStar, Calc, Telcom, Filer) - label: POWER SUPPLY value: Internal batteries or AC adapter - label: PERIPHERALS value: CRT/Disk adaptor, 328 KB 3.5'' FDD unit, 1200-baud external modem - label: PRICE value: $995 (USA, 1984) comments: - author: Dominic La Mantia (United States) date: Tuesday 19th December 2017 text: I have the laptop and printer in good condition. What would u be willing to pay for these items? - author: Barry (United States) date: Monday 6th June 2016 text: I have a mint condition working PC-8401A for sale if you are still interested. - author: Leskovez (Russia) date: Saturday 18th January 2014 text: If someone owns the laptop let me know. Laptop needed for the museum of computer technology. leskovezATmail.ru oc_id: 350 source: url: https://web.archive.org/web/20230601095205/http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=350 date: '2023-06-01' --- The NEC 8401 A is the second generation NEC notebook portable computer. It is significantly different from the 8201. the 8401 has a 16-line by 80-column fold-up LCD screen, 64K of RAM, and a built-in 300 baud modem, and can be operated using batteries or an AC adapter. It uses the CP/M operating system and has four built-in software packages including Wordstar-To-Go, Calc-To-Go, Telcom (telecommunications utility), and Filer (personal card filing program). BASIC is not included in the system. The basic package included the computer, phone cable, cassette recorder cable, four manuals, quick reference guide, information about on-line services, and license and warranty cards. The package did not include either an AC adapter or batteries. Optional peripherals include a CRT/disk adapter, micro floppy disk unit, 1200 baud modem, external 32K RAM cartridge, and a wide assortment of cables. Somewhat larger and heavier than the 8201, the 8401 measures 11.8" x 8.4" x2.8" and weighs 4.7 lbs. It uses a CMOS version of the 8-bit Z80 mpu operating at 4 MHz. Built in are three 32K ROMs (96K total) which include the BIOS and applications software. The 64K of RAM is segmented into two 32K blocks, one for storing user programs (called an internal RAM disk) and the other for file creation and manipulation. With an optional floppy disk drive attached, it is possible to allocate all 64K of the computer to program execution. A compartment in the top of the computer accepts four C-cells; alkaline batteries are said to have a life of eight hours or longer. There is an automatic power shutoff if no key has been pressed for ten minutes; this time period may be reset by the user to 1 to 25 minutes. --- More information about the NEC 8401a-LS (aka Starlet) from **Gary Clouse**:\ The computer had 3 operating modes:\ In the 32K portable mode, 32K was used as a ramdisk and 32K was available for programs. In this mode battery backed RAM cartridges could be used as an additional Ramdisk.\ In the 64K modes the entire 64K was used as program memory and either a RAM cartridge or a disk drive could be used as program storage. The CRT/Disk interface was used as a primitive docking station. the add on periphals connected to the single cartridge slot on the left side of the copmuter.\ It had a monochrome pixel graphics ability.\ The TELCOM program did a decent vt100 emulation and included Xmodem file transfer abilities. Like the 8201 there was a function key driven menu shell, and it allowed access to the CP/M Command line.
We need more info about this computer ! If you designed, used, or have more info about this system, please send us pictures or anything you might find useful.