ThinkPad 235: The Rebadged Subnotebook!

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 149

  • @moofree
    @moofree 3 ปีที่แล้ว +101

    Even though it's not 'perfect', I love how those Crystal Audio chips sound.

    • @EgoShredder
      @EgoShredder 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I thought he would play a couple of short wav file clips too, not just Yamaha OP2 FM synthesis.

    • @marioman971
      @marioman971 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I really should've known it was IBM that actually manufactured it and not the other way around just by the keyboard, but the Crystal audio definitely tipped me off. Lot of older IBM PC's used it, including a newer PC 300PL I have that sounds a bit warmer and cleaner than this. I think PowerBook G3's also used Crystal chips but I don't think they had the FM synth or, was at least inaccessible

    • @beefgoat80
      @beefgoat80 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That sound would have blown my mind in 1997.

    • @EvilTurkeySlices
      @EvilTurkeySlices 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@marioman971 a lot of Dells did too, later. Dells of this era usually used ESS chips.

  • @VEN0M415
    @VEN0M415 3 ปีที่แล้ว +54

    Bios accessibility while on desktop?!? that's the dream right there!

    • @dr.samsung_8855
      @dr.samsung_8855 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I really wish modern computers could do the same thing. But perhaps most changes might require a restart anyways(?)

    • @Lukeno52
      @Lukeno52 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      A lot of Dells and Toshibas did the same thing at the time.

  • @_..---
    @_..--- 3 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    I just love how those machines look, feels so comfy and professional

  • @winterburden
    @winterburden 3 ปีที่แล้ว +140

    I love when youtubers are like 'i'll let you judge how this sounds.' I'm over here listening to this on my phone with a usb earbud and i'm like 'yep, that's exactly what it sounds like.'

    • @tapank415
      @tapank415 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ya, i want to hear keyboard clicks too!

    • @akaJughead
      @akaJughead 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

      So I did the leg work for you. I compared the audio he provided of passport.mid to my Sound Blaster 16 with a real OPL3 chip. I used the same set of Creative desktop speakers to listen to both samples.
      My conclusion is that the Crystal chipset in this laptop is pretty close to the real thing, I really couldn't tell a difference. That doesn't mean it's 100% Sound Blaster compatible, because as I found even Creative had difficulty with that back in the day.

    • @asmc1492
      @asmc1492 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@akaJughead creative make speakers? I thought they only make headphones and sound card.

    • @explycyt6171
      @explycyt6171 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@asmc1492 i have a creative webcam

    • @EgoShredder
      @EgoShredder 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Haha yeah I know what you mean. Despite having a smartphone since 2014, mine rarely gets any use other than occasional whatsapp wifi calls and TomTom GPS. Doing anything else with a tiny 6 inch screen and no keyboard or mouse, is like torture. Plus the video and audio chips inside those phones are very generic, and in an electrically noisy environment.

  • @LusRetroSource
    @LusRetroSource 3 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    It's been so long since I've seen a laptop without a USB port, it now feels weird to see one needing an adapter. USB is one of the best things to happen to computers. No more worrying about serial, parallel, PCMCIA, PS/2 ports and more. Now it's evolving to pretty much replace any connection (Display, power, etc..).

    • @ThatTonybo
      @ThatTonybo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Everything basically. Look at laptops like the 2016-2020 MacBooks. While they really shouldn't of had, 4 USB-Cs and a headphone port and that's it. Kinda impressive.

  • @TravisStamper
    @TravisStamper 3 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Since my ex wife made me get rid of all my retro stuff, hence EX, I live vicariously through you. Thanks for the video

    • @organiccold
      @organiccold 3 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      You should had made here ex. before you sold your stuff...just saying

    • @RetroPlus
      @RetroPlus 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      I can see why she's your ex

  • @w3rd645
    @w3rd645 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That crystal audio sampler music was smooooooth!

  • @nbrown5907
    @nbrown5907 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Ahh good old midi now that brings back memories lol.

    • @EgoShredder
      @EgoShredder 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Still used to this day as its brilliant. Supposed to be MIDI 2.0 on the way but no idea when.

  • @radishdalek
    @radishdalek 6 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I saw the video and immediately recognised it - I used a rebadged version of the Hitachi, mine was a T-120 by PCPI Technologies Inc. Sold in the UK - I bought new and still got it.
    The case is a sort of blue-ish charcole colour, with a yellow mouse nub, grey keys with white letters, and purple/lilac function symbols.
    Its the front floppy connector version, though has a different style of rubber cover to the port than the Thinkpad.
    Floppy drive is same colour as the laptop, but with an integrated black cable.
    Windows 95 model.
    Amazingly all the port flaps are intact.

  • @n0lanv0id
    @n0lanv0id 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Passport is a banger. I danced in my kitchen to the whole track.

  • @michaelcharach
    @michaelcharach 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I sold PCs back in the mid to late 90s. These videos really take me down memory lane.

  • @Camell513
    @Camell513 3 ปีที่แล้ว +49

    I love Yahoo auctions Japan! so cool to see someone else getting neat stuff from there. I really feel that the Japanese culture takes so much more pride when they resell stuff. I had one person repackage a fully built lego set into individual baggies, the same way one woulda got it from LEGO 10 years ago!

  • @SarahLJP
    @SarahLJP 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    7:49 ハードディスク [hādo disuku] "Hard disk"

  • @Gadgetman1989
    @Gadgetman1989 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video Colin, always love watching your uploads

  • @k.qottmi3993
    @k.qottmi3993 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    i remember those days when this device released i was a peeping outside because purchased this lap a costs fortune how much now i need a one

  • @nawainrukalfank1703
    @nawainrukalfank1703 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    the cool thing about this laptop is it use cam recorder battery that still sells new today, i hope modern laptop do this

  • @GANONdork123
    @GANONdork123 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The perfect video for my morning cup of coffee before work.

    • @sknyz2452
      @sknyz2452 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Lmao I can wake up hours before my shift starts and yet I somehow never have free time for coffee or a small video. Teach me.

  • @Mark_5150
    @Mark_5150 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Years later and I'm still subscribed and watch your videos. I'm not into old tech, although I do remember these days in computer history, I just find your videos entertaining. Thanks.

  • @JK-gm6kk
    @JK-gm6kk 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    "supplemental software" is a nice way to put it

  • @Aralis97
    @Aralis97 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I am not even into retro computers but you always explain everything so well and make things sound so interesting! Thank you!

  • @hielmyz
    @hielmyz 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    ahh.. those MIDI tracks are so nostalgic...

  • @ReavenZero
    @ReavenZero 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I love these videos about vintage Laptops. Make me wanna get a few myself! :)

  • @STICKOMEDIA
    @STICKOMEDIA 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The audio chip sounds nice

  • @NathanChisholm041
    @NathanChisholm041 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Man laptops just looked better back then! I just gave away a old Lenovo x200 to a mate whos into old computers...

  • @wiizepods7682
    @wiizepods7682 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The music in the testing part for the audio really sounds like something you hear from a 1980's Adult film

    • @Tom2404
      @Tom2404 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You mean passport.mid

    • @wiizepods7682
      @wiizepods7682 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Tom2404 Yeah that. My bad

  • @moistnugget4019
    @moistnugget4019 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    that aesthetic is what i see when i close my eyes and think of "laptop"

  • @Filippoupolitis
    @Filippoupolitis 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Awesome video mr Collin!!!

  • @stevenclark2188
    @stevenclark2188 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    The nice thing about FM music is it's mathematically defined. As long as it's still OPL2 or 3 compatible, and not emulating FM from some other tech, music will have only minor differences. If you don't like FM though there's no saving it. Still I bet this thing kicked but for games if there were DOS drivers.

  • @alfredthegreat7750
    @alfredthegreat7750 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I just wanted to say that, i really enjoy watching all of your videos, and i think you are very intelligent, keep up the good work.

  • @luigigt456
    @luigigt456 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    my favourite "little pc" is toshiba libretto, rlly cute

  • @rhysholdaway
    @rhysholdaway 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Think my 570 Thinkpad has Crystal Audio too. Seems quite a common laptop soundcard.

  • @justthatmichael2176
    @justthatmichael2176 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    hell yeah that sounds DOPE, my Mac Fixerman

  • @LoftechUK
    @LoftechUK 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love old stuff

  • @RetroPlus
    @RetroPlus 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    3:43 Oh that's funky!

  • @lezoriq
    @lezoriq 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I own 235, as well as lots of other IBM laptops. 235 if by far my favorite.

    • @shane._.morgan
      @shane._.morgan 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi sorry to bother I just came across this video after getting a 235, would you know how much they could be worth?

    • @lezoriq
      @lezoriq 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@shane._.morgan one in a decent condition about 500$

  • @summerlaverdure
    @summerlaverdure 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    that crystal audio sounds just like my old PC, i give it top Passport marks

  • @hezheng6490
    @hezheng6490 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    CrystalFM is actually pretty decent except certain broken implementation like, CX4235.

  • @Evercade_Effect
    @Evercade_Effect 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This was a blast from the past! This brought back the old days of laptops.

  • @zapod20
    @zapod20 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I still have a couple of Thinkpad 240Xs knocking around, along with a floppy drive that looks like it would hook up to that Hitachi. They were perfect (20 years ago) for taking to site for PLC programming duties.

  • @SkylarsTerribleMemes
    @SkylarsTerribleMemes 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    theres a standard camcorder battery? huh, learn something new every day i guess. pretty damn cool, wish it was more common in laptops and smartphones

  • @Okla_Soft
    @Okla_Soft 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I still remember the first windows 3.1 laptop my mom ever brought home from work, it blew my kind that windows could be run portably.

  • @adid.5585
    @adid.5585 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The way this was presented is phenomenal! It's better than the commercial, it makes you just going out there and buying the damn thing!

  • @randomfish42
    @randomfish42 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I had an unbranded one of these which I brought from CPC back in the late 90s early 00s (P120 IIRC), great little machine and got it for a good price. As you say the screen on it was good for the time, alas it got lost in a move as it would make a great DOS gaming machine (well maybe not sound wise!) with the native 640x480 display.

  • @Francoberry
    @Francoberry 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    To quote Alan Partridge: 'they've rebadged it you fool!'

  • @Puzzlers100
    @Puzzlers100 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    And it looks just like every other ThinkPad ever.

  • @willcheyney
    @willcheyney 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What is it about computers before the 2000’s? They have an undefinable charm.

  • @kztech1319
    @kztech1319 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Actually pressing a hotkey during Windows 9x to enter BIOS is also found on Dell laptops, all the way up to 2003!
    Even on something like a Pentium M equipped Latitude D600, D800, if the machine isn't running in ACPI mode with Windows 2k or XP or such, you can still press Fn+F3 to get to the BIOS battery page which enters the BIOS too. Seems like ACPI mode prevents this from being possible so you don't see that feature on newer laptops. The Latitude Dx10 series with their total BIOS UI redesign (as opposed to the same BIOS layout Dell used in 386, 486 days) no longer have this feature.

    • @EvilTurkeySlices
      @EvilTurkeySlices 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I’ll have to try that on my latitude c600 when I get it a new case(the right hinge is snapped)

  • @theblubus
    @theblubus 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Love that Sega fart midi
    It's adorable because it tried lol

  • @IndellableHatesHandles
    @IndellableHatesHandles 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Still has more features than my modern Lenovo, considering I bought it from a crappy refurbisher and it can't connect to the web.

  • @HannuPulli
    @HannuPulli 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A perfect fit for the Japanese market. There was some extra magic with these early sub-notebooks with can't quite can't be matched with ultra thin bezelless designs. Though those are cool too, doesn't maybe seem quite as impressive.

  • @tizianociollaro9127
    @tizianociollaro9127 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have the Epson Endeavor TK-400. It was still off for about 1 year, and now not run the S.O. The internal battery is low (1,9 V) but I think there is something wrong on BIOS or RAM because not see the internal hard disk and on POST, the word displayed is not correct. Where can I take info on this beatiful micro notebook? I tried on google but this model is very hard to get some information or link to download old BIOS

  • @I_am_Allan
    @I_am_Allan 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    USB 1.0 ... I remember when Windows 98 having issues with detecting some of my devices.

  • @RETROMachines
    @RETROMachines 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    wow, nice video

  • @mikemoyercell
    @mikemoyercell 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very cool machines! I have a rather scarce sub notebook myself. Mine is a Panasonic Toughbook CF-M32. Its a Pentium MMX 166mhz, 96mb RAM maxed out, Yamaha OPL3SAx sound, USB 1.1, Type 3 Cardbus & infrared on the machine itself, Docking Station for using the external floppy drive + Serial, Parallel, & PS/2 and it has a Li-Ion battery which still lasts 3 hours or so. It came with a 2gb hdd although since I got it, I upgraded to a 4gb hdd. I did buy a M-Systems Aerospace 8gb SSD which they call an FFD. These subnotebooks from this time period are awesome and although at the time people didn't buy them, they are highly sought after by collectors such as you and I. I like small laptops. That thinkpad 235 is very cool. I wouldn't mind finding one someday.

  • @retr0life
    @retr0life 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    3:45 That's up to LGR to decide

  • @robsquared2
    @robsquared2 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just waiting for the dom notebooks now.

  • @WillyRosado
    @WillyRosado 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Sounds good for that time

  • @NavJack27gaming
    @NavJack27gaming 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    that midi is... its close... its unique...

  • @MakeKasprzak
    @MakeKasprzak 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Whoa! NP-F batteries!

  • @KuntalGhosh
    @KuntalGhosh 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Npf battery to power laptop? That's great!!

  • @akaJughead
    @akaJughead 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I compared the audio he provided of passport.mid to my Sound Blaster 16 with a real OPL3 chip. I used the same set of Creative desktop speakers to listen to both samples.
    My conclusion is that the Crystal chipset in this laptop is pretty close to the real thing, I really couldn't tell a difference. That doesn't mean it's 100% Sound Blaster compatible, because as I found even Creative had difficulty with that back in the day.
    As far as FM OPL synth, the Crystal chipset does a pretty good job.

  • @daedalus372
    @daedalus372 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Ngl, that Passport song was 🔥🔥🔥

    • @Tom2404
      @Tom2404 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It's included in Wondows 9x

  • @andresbravo2003
    @andresbravo2003 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Neat, you’re a great collector for Vintage Computing!

  • @theblubus
    @theblubus 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hey @This Does Not Compute!
    Love your content. What's the name of the song @6:08?
    I've been searching for it forever!!

  • @TyTytheCat2004
    @TyTytheCat2004 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Could you try ReactOS on the IBM Thinkpad in this video?

  • @shabeer_wms
    @shabeer_wms 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    That does compute 😁

  • @PeterSwinkels
    @PeterSwinkels 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice.

  • @MK-of7qw
    @MK-of7qw 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Crystal audio was aight.

  • @markitzero12
    @markitzero12 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I think I have a smaller one Lookup a Sony Vaio PCG-505FX with a Intel P1, Sony has used this model number in newer models I think.

  • @singletona082
    @singletona082 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Can someone make a modern shell/dock for like a cellphone or raspberry pi that has this form factor and look?

  • @Arthur-bk9wn
    @Arthur-bk9wn 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I find the midi song really good ! Would it be possible for you to upload it ?

  • @goodiesguy
    @goodiesguy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That Passport.mid sample sounds identical to how I remember it sounding on my Genius PCI Soundcard, except for some reason, on Windows 98 midi files played mono and at a slightly higher pitch, like a semitone up.

  • @dylanlindsay1993
    @dylanlindsay1993 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I know this is kinda unrelated but I picked up a ibm Thinkpad 380ed at a thrift store about a week ago for 7$
    it powers on and everything but I have a puzzling issues with it.. first of all it doesn't have any sound at all I even took it apart to check if the speaker was unplugged and it wasn't, second whenever I put a cd in the cd-drive one of two things happen if its a data cd the drive spins up and it reads it but then the computer just shuts off completely and you have to unplug it and re-plug it to power it on again, second if I put a audio cd in it it doesn't cut power to it self and it works but there's still no sound.... I replaced the cmos battery because it was dead and the main battery is also dead and makes a strange whining sound when its in the computer.... also I'm using a universal onn brand power adapter because the I got it without the power adapter... Do you know what could be possibly causing these issues? Any help would be appreaceated.. Thanks!! :))

  • @MegaManNeo
    @MegaManNeo 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Looks like ThinkPad that would have been nice to own back then.

  • @richardestes6499
    @richardestes6499 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Nice. I've heard worse audio out of IBM's NetVista line.

  • @outaspaceman
    @outaspaceman 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    put the sound card in a Eurorack module and a fortune could be yours..!

  • @XDymeStarX
    @XDymeStarX 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    The 235 plastic build material seems like the same flimsy plastic they have used for the 560. Very lightweight. Both nice collector items. Well done Colin.

  • @miro5052
    @miro5052 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    10:00
    This is what I absolutely love about japanese auctions. I've even purchased junk machines that work flawlessly. Compare that to ebay where sellers will list as untested despite knowing the machine doesn't function and likely have attempted repairs too.

  • @sharptoothtrex4486
    @sharptoothtrex4486 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    $2400 for that 1997 laptop is too much. Wait many years later putting that same money amount towards a gaming laptop instead.

  • @nbrown5907
    @nbrown5907 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Well if it had 98 on it the specs would have been fine for dos gaming lol.

  • @allissondiego1989
    @allissondiego1989 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Please, do a video on alphasmart neo

  • @JK-gm6kk
    @JK-gm6kk 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Passport kinda slaps, ngl

  • @fatkid5600
    @fatkid5600 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    "good things can come from small packages"
    yeah haha, tell that to my future wife

  • @ryandary
    @ryandary ปีที่แล้ว

    I have that exact same Hitachi subnotebook! I thought I had seen the same design elsewhere but couldn't put my finger on it.

  • @somacruz8272
    @somacruz8272 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    source on the fly tunes?

  • @marksmith9566
    @marksmith9566 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Have you had a Libretto?

  • @colombianguy8194
    @colombianguy8194 ปีที่แล้ว

    Another excellent video as always. Thank you. That is a very interesting machine, the TFT 640x480 is the ideal one for DOS gaming.

  • @lemmonsinmyeyes
    @lemmonsinmyeyes 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Using sony batteries as the powersource, thats frikking brilliant! I mean, not great battery life to be honest, but who cares when you can hotswap a non-proprietary battery!

  • @kFY514
    @kFY514 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    That resident BIOS idea was a trend for a while, although I'll never understand why. I once owned a 486 Packard Bell Legend in which the BIOS was accessed by striking Ctrl+Alt+S, but not before boot, rather from the DOS prompt instead. It wouldn't work from the Windows desktop, but you could actually open the BIOS in Windows' command prompt window.

  • @Fuzy2K
    @Fuzy2K 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    6:04 -- They spelled "fluorescent" wrong :P

  • @markshellard5894
    @markshellard5894 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    AOL , now for some very slow download porn that stopped halfway through 😂

  • @rickdellis_
    @rickdellis_ 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Long time viewer, first time commenter
    I love small 90s laptops! This video is where I first saw the Mitsubishi Amity CN, which I love. I have 3 now. Would you ever consider a video on that machine, or maybe even a Toshiba Portege, like the small ones, 3010ct or 3110ct?
    Great channel!

  • @borisdg
    @borisdg 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Are you gonna make a teardown video for Game & Watch The Legend of Zelda?

    • @ThisDoesNotCompute
      @ThisDoesNotCompute  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not sure…I doubt it’s much (if any) different inside.

    • @borisdg
      @borisdg 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@ThisDoesNotCompute Yeah, but I guess the PCB will be still interesting since there is logo on the back which is being illuminated by the LCD backlight.

  • @shawn57187
    @shawn57187 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Did you say Pentium MMX @ 266mhz? I didn’t think there was a Pentium at that clock speed.

    • @XCVGVCX
      @XCVGVCX 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      IIRC this was a mobile-only part, the desktop Pentium MMX maxed out at 233MHz.

  • @theshadowman1398
    @theshadowman1398 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Like the look of Hitachi one much better than the original IBM model. Is the CPU socketed in these ?

  • @--Animal--
    @--Animal-- 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    "The track pad is small". What track pad, I legit don't see one 🤣

  • @shane._.morgan
    @shane._.morgan 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Guys, I recently found a thinkpad 235 does anyone know how much they could be worth?

  • @claudiameier666
    @claudiameier666 ปีที่แล้ว

    Its a mini cutie .

  • @deathdeathrevolution3499
    @deathdeathrevolution3499 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Ahh yes 446 likes with 147 views. That's because everyone liked it 2-3 times

  • @loneindiedev8242
    @loneindiedev8242 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's funny how back then you had to pay premium to get smaller devices, but nowadays it's pretty much the opposite; be it laptops, smartphones or tablets, bigger costs more.