Display article   Subject:  386SL-based Notebook Computer
   04/30/97   18:29:18


386SL-BASED NOTEBOOK COMPUTER

On April 6, 1992, Radio Shack introduced the 80386SL-based 25
MHz Tandy 3830 SL notebook computer.  This new computer utilizes
the latest in notebook technology in an elegant, compact package.

This is the first Tandy notebook PC to feature the low-power
80386SL microprocessor, the first to include a mini-trackball
pointing device and the first with a docking station option.  It
also includes a 19ms 80 MB internal IDE hard drive, 2 MB of
internal memory (expandable to 8 MB), one 3 1/2" 1.44 MB floppy
disk drive, 16 KB of cache, a full size 84-key keyboard, a VGA
backlit display, a multitude of external ports and an expansion
bus connector that attaches to the new Tandy Docking Station.


Tandy Docking Station

When this notebook computer was designed, we considered the
number of people who would also use it as a desktop computer.
The optional Tandy Docking Station (available in August) allows
users to hook up an external monitor, keyboard, and printer and
leave them plugged into the docking station ready to go.  The
3830 SL is then easily inserted into the station without having
to plug all these devices into the back of the computer.  The
docking station will allow the user to install one full length
AT-type card and one half-size card inside for things like high
speed modems, network cards, high resolution video cards, scanner
interfaces, and other devices.

For those users who prefer not to use the docking station, we
still made it very convenient to hook up things like printers
and external video.  The 3830 SL features an external PS/2-style
mouse port, an external 101-key keyboard port, an internal modem
slot, one serial port, and one parallel port which supports
either a parallel printer or an external 5 1/4" floppy disk drive
port.  The ports are covered by a unique door system that doubles
as a computer tilt stand.  When open, the door folds neatly under
the unit to provide a comfortable typing angle.


"Flash" Memory BIOS

The 3830 SL has a "flash" memory BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
-- non-volatile memory which can be reprogrammed.  Prior to the
development of flash memory, changing the BIOS required
physically removing and replacing the chip.  With flash memory,
updating the BIOS can be done using a specialized software
program.


Compact Design And A Mini-Trackball

One of the most prominent features of the new Tandy 3830 SL
is its compact design.  The small 1.7" x 11.7" x 8.7" (H x W x D)
machine fits easily in a briefcase, and weighs only 5.94 pounds.
The new large size LCD screen fills almost the entire lid.

Even though the 3830 SL's case width is smaller than previous
Tandy models, full-size typing keys with cursor controls maintain
compatibility with standard 101-key keyboards.  The built-in
mini-trackball, located above the keyboard, eliminates the
additional weight and bulk of an external mouse, and makes it
easier to run Windows-based applications and other
graphics-oriented software.


VGA Display

The 3830 SL has a non-glare VGA backlit display with 640 x 480
resolution, a one-to-one aspect ratio, and a 9.76" diagonal
viewing area.  The bright backlit screen shows black characters
on a very white background.  It also allows simultaneous use of
the internal LCD and an external VGA monitor -- a feature
requested by a growing number of notebook PC users.


Power!

To conserve battery power, the 3830 SL has a number of power
saving features including Resume, Standby, Auto Power Off, LCD
Shutoff, Hard Drive Spin Down and a special Power Failure Resume
System.  All of these features can be controlled by the user
through a simple setup menu.

Nickel Metal Hydride batteries, the newest in battery technology,
do not exhibit the recharge memory problems commonly associated
with Ni-Cad batteries.  Using this new technology, we can offer
3 hours of battery life while providing a smaller computer, even
though the screen is larger and the processor runs faster than in
previous Tandy models.  This battery can be recharged in just two
hours, or five hours while in operation.  A spare battery option
will be available after July 1, 1992.

For international travelers, a lightweight universal worldwide
110/220-volt AC adapter is included.

Tandy's popular Power View System allows the user to monitor
battery status and power while the display is closed.  Indicator
lights on top of the unit are visible at all times.

Included with the utilities on the hard drive is a program that
graphically monitors the status of the battery.  It gives the
user an indication right on the screen of how much capacity is
left in the battery.   No more guesswork for the user on whether
the battery is half charged or almost dead!


The Software Is Pre-Installed

The Tandy 3830 SL ships complete with MS-DOS 5.0 and the newest
additions to the operating system that allow computer-to-computer
transfer of files and programs.  It also features Microsoft
Windows 3.1, America Online, Microsoft QBasic, Microsoft MS-DOS
5.0 Shell and a number of utility programs to set up the system
and deliver the highest performance.  All software is
pre-installed on the hard drive.  Diskettes are included for
MS-DOS and Windows, too.

A simple null modem cable is all the user needs to transfer files
back and forth between their desktop and notebook computers.


Options For The 3830 SL

Many options are available for the Tandy 3830 SL:

  25-3583   Tandy Docking Station
  25-3508   2 MB Memory Upgrade
  25-3527   6 MB Memory Upgrade
  90-2586   80387SX-25 Math Coprocessor
  25-3525   Internal 2400-bps Modem
  25-3509   Combination Internal 2400 bps/9600 Send FAX Modem
  22-0132   Automobile Power Adapter
  25-3579   Spare Battery
  25-3518   Leather Carrying Case
  25-3512   Fabric Carrying Case

