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The MSXBOOK Is A New Laptop Based On The Japanese Home Computer Standard | Time Extension (www.timeextension.com)
submitted 1 day ago by ktec@feddit.uk to c/retrogaming@lemmy.world
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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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[–] Grimpen@lemmy.ca 3 points 1 day ago (2 children)

For some reason I'm reminded of the Colecovision and the Colecovision Adam. Did those share any architecture with the MSX devices?

[–] Redkey@programming.dev 2 points 1 day ago

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.

[–] 9point6@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

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

[–] Grimpen@lemmy.ca 2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

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.

[–] ktec@feddit.uk 4 points 1 day ago

It is common to use the bluemsx core for ColecoVision emulation. As well as MSX, that core can also emulate the Sega SG-1000.

Having said that, we use the fmsx core for MSX/2 emulation, and gearsystem for the SG-1000.