this post was submitted on 21 Feb 2025
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The MSXBOOK Is A New Laptop Based On The Japanese Home Computer Standard | Time Extension (www.timeextension.com)
submitted 23 hours 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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[–] brsrklf@jlai.lu 9 points 20 hours ago* (last edited 19 hours ago) (1 children)

MSX laptop? Is this freaking La-Mulana?

[–] caseyweederman@lemmy.ca 2 points 7 hours ago

Excellent reference.

[–] 9point6@lemmy.world 8 points 23 hours ago (2 children)

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?

[–] ProdigalFrog@slrpnk.net 3 points 21 hours ago

F1 Spirit is a surprisingly good racing game with a killer soundtrack. Metal Gear 1 and 2 are also quite excellent.

[–] Grimpen@lemmy.ca 3 points 22 hours 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 16 hours 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 21 hours 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 19 hours 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 18 hours 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.

[–] Deceptichum@quokk.au 6 points 22 hours ago* (last edited 22 hours ago)

I have always wanted a PC-98, hope they make that next.