Siemens-Nixdorf PCD-4ND - Revision history

Andrei.boiu: /* Review */

2022-03-23T14:14:56Z

Review

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:14, 23 March 2022
Line 75:		Line 75:
	The sound capability of the laptop is unbalanced. Inclusion of a soundcard is highly appreciated but lack of volume controls, except when using proprietary applications, seriously limits comfort. This issue is even more annoying as the speaker can either be too loud or relatively normal, as there is some variability between same equipped models. Even when you can hear the speaker, the quality it provides is just too low. It is clear that it was mostly designed for beeps not sound or music playback. Even more annoying is the use of a belt-driven floppy drive platter, which makes replacements and operation near impossible after so many years. It is difficult to find adequate replacement belts, but more laptops used this poor and cheap solution on laptops, notably Toshiba, for unknown reasons.		The sound capability of the laptop is unbalanced. Inclusion of a soundcard is highly appreciated but lack of volume controls, except when using proprietary applications, seriously limits comfort. This issue is even more annoying as the speaker can either be too loud or relatively normal, as there is some variability between same equipped models. Even when you can hear the speaker, the quality it provides is just too low. It is clear that it was mostly designed for beeps not sound or music playback. Even more annoying is the use of a belt-driven floppy drive platter, which makes replacements and operation near impossible after so many years. It is difficult to find adequate replacement belts, but more laptops used this poor and cheap solution on laptops, notably Toshiba, for unknown reasons.

	Software support is a mixed experience. While hardware capabilities are not outright bad, the video chipset seriously limit comfortable operating systems to Windows 3.1. Although Windows 95 ~~is entirely possible~~, you should have at least 16MB of RAM available. DOS gaming is ~~below average~~ as ~~anything newer than~~ Wolfenstein 3D is ~~barely~~ playable~~, and~~ the venerable DOOM is a good choice only for the 486 DX4 processors running at 75 or 100MHz.		Software support is a mixed experience. While hardware capabilities are not outright bad, the video chipset seriously limit comfortable operating systems to Windows 3.1. Although Windows 95 can be run, you should have at least 16MB of RAM available. DOS gaming is mixed experience as, for instance, Wolfenstein 3D is playable while the venerable DOOM is a good choice only for the 486 DX4 processors running at 75 or 100MHz.

	{{footnotes\|		{{footnotes\|

Andrei.boiu: /* Greatest features & flaws */

2022-03-23T14:13:03Z

Greatest features & flaws

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:13, 23 March 2022
Line 55:		Line 55:
	\| Durable, comfortable keyboard and trackball \|\| Mediocre video chipset, poor speaker, no volume control		\| Durable, comfortable keyboard and trackball \|\| Mediocre video chipset, poor speaker, no volume control
	\|-		\|-
	\| ~~Great~~ internal parts access \|\| Proprietary RAM module, poor floppy drive		\| Stylish, great internal parts access \|\| Proprietary RAM module, poor floppy drive
	\|}		\|}

Andrei.boiu: /* Review */

2022-03-23T14:11:19Z

Review

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:11, 23 March 2022
Line 61:		Line 61:
	A midrange, compact, business laptop, released in 1993. It had an average mix of parts for a 486. The CPU is good for a 486, the video chipset is just mediocre while the soundcard positions this laptop somewhat on target with the intended goals. The only major improvement of this laptop compared with other 486 models equipped with the same video chipset is the slightly faster CPU that could run upto 100 MHz, on some models.		A midrange, compact, business laptop, released in 1993. It had an average mix of parts for a 486. The CPU is good for a 486, the video chipset is just mediocre while the soundcard positions this laptop somewhat on target with the intended goals. The only major improvement of this laptop compared with other 486 models equipped with the same video chipset is the slightly faster CPU that could run upto 100 MHz, on some models.

	The Western Digital branded video chipset was decent in 1993 but seriously obsolete by 1995 or 1996, late in the product's manufacturing run. The lack of ~~any~~ acceleration functions means that even running Windows 3.1 in 640x480 feels sluggish and Windows 95 operation is outright slow. It is very difficult to understand why Siemens agreed to linger on with this laptop configuration and using such video chipsets up until 1996, as they do not even expose full VESA capabilities, requiring loading a special VESA TSR to run some programs that require 640x480 in 256 colours. Also, although resolutions such as 1024x768 at 256 colors are possible, they are clearly beyond the user's patience. Provisions for monochrome screens also show the dated system platform, as most laptops have started to abandon in 1993 such display options.		The Western Digital branded video chipset was decent in 1993 but seriously obsolete by 1995 or 1996, late in the product's manufacturing run. The lack of modern acceleration functions means that even running Windows 3.1 in 640x480 feels somewhat sluggish and Windows 95 operation is outright slow. It is very difficult to understand why Siemens agreed to linger on with this laptop configuration and using such video chipsets up until 1996, as they do not even expose full VESA capabilities, requiring loading a special VESA TSR to run some programs that require 640x480 in 256 colours. Also, although resolutions such as 1024x768 at 256 colors are possible, they are clearly beyond the user's patience. Provisions for monochrome screens also show the dated system platform, as most laptops have started to abandon in 1993 such display options.

	<youtube width="500" height="281">QUE65H9zlZA</youtube>		<youtube width="500" height="281">QUE65H9zlZA</youtube>

	The inclusion of a relatively modern TFT screen on some models, although the contrast ratio, response time and especially colour accuracy (fringing) seems slightly poorer than IBM's offerings, is one of the few saving graces in terms of technical prowess, as most laptops of its era either had poor color LCDs. RAM capabilities are mixed. The lack of standardization means that memory upgrades are quite difficult to find, as the laptop require a clearly proprietary memory module package, that looks as a slightly thick black cartridge. Similarly, CPU upgrades seem to be limited as there is a proprietary connector used for CPUs and CPUs are soldered on a CPU module board. Cooling is, however, adequate, so durability is ensured.		The inclusion of a relatively modern TFT screen on some models, although the contrast ratio, response time and especially colour accuracy (fringing) seems slightly poorer than IBM's offerings, is one of the few saving graces in terms of technical prowess, as most laptops of its era either had poor color LCDs. RAM capabilities are mixed. The lack of standardization means that memory upgrades are quite difficult to find, as the laptop require a clearly proprietary memory module package, that looks as a slightly thick black cartridge. Similarly, CPU upgrades seem to be limited as there is a proprietary connector used for CPUs and CPUs are soldered on a CPU module board. Cooling is, however, adequate, so durability is ensured.

			<youtube width="500" height="281">rwRvMu5P0tg</youtube>

	The standard capacity harddrive is not adequate as even modest Windows 95 installations with a Microsoft Office 95 package can take around more than 300MB. The harddrive itself is noisy and very bulky (12mm height) but the plastic drive cage along with the laptop's own casing offer excellent noise damping capabilities as metal frames are almost entirely avoided.The keyboard, trackball and trackball buttons are close to the classic IBM standard of peripherals, which is a nice surprise. The keyboard feel and travel is just right for a classic model. The only discomfort comes from the trackball buttons that have indentations that are slightly unpleasant on longer use. Also, the slightly slanted palmrest creates a comfortable typing position.		The standard capacity harddrive is not adequate as even modest Windows 95 installations with a Microsoft Office 95 package can take around more than 300MB. The harddrive itself is noisy and very bulky (12mm height) but the plastic drive cage along with the laptop's own casing offer excellent noise damping capabilities as metal frames are almost entirely avoided.The keyboard, trackball and trackball buttons are close to the classic IBM standard of peripherals, which is a nice surprise. The keyboard feel and travel is just right for a classic model. The only discomfort comes from the trackball buttons that have indentations that are slightly unpleasant on longer use. Also, the slightly slanted palmrest creates a comfortable typing position.

	<youtube width="500" height="281">~~rwRvMu5P0tg~~</youtube>		<youtube width="500" height="281">NPJupto8QLc</youtube>

	The sound capability of the laptop is unbalanced. Inclusion of a soundcard is highly appreciated but lack of volume controls, except when using proprietary applications, seriously limits comfort. This issue is even more annoying as the speaker can either be too loud or relatively normal, as there is some variability between same equipped models. Even when you can hear the speaker, the quality it provides is just too low. It is clear that it was mostly designed for beeps not sound or music playback. Even more annoying is the use of a belt-driven floppy drive platter, which makes replacements and operation near impossible after so many years. It is difficult to find adequate replacement belts, but more laptops used this poor and cheap solution on laptops, notably Toshiba, for unknown reasons.		The sound capability of the laptop is unbalanced. Inclusion of a soundcard is highly appreciated but lack of volume controls, except when using proprietary applications, seriously limits comfort. This issue is even more annoying as the speaker can either be too loud or relatively normal, as there is some variability between same equipped models. Even when you can hear the speaker, the quality it provides is just too low. It is clear that it was mostly designed for beeps not sound or music playback. Even more annoying is the use of a belt-driven floppy drive platter, which makes replacements and operation near impossible after so many years. It is difficult to find adequate replacement belts, but more laptops used this poor and cheap solution on laptops, notably Toshiba, for unknown reasons.

	~~<youtube width="500" height="281">NPJupto8QLc</youtube>~~

	Software support is a mixed experience. While hardware capabilities are not outright bad, the video chipset seriously limit comfortable operating systems to Windows 3.1. Although Windows 95 is entirely possible, you should have at least 16MB of RAM available. DOS gaming is below average as anything newer than Wolfenstein 3D is barely playable, and the venerable DOOM is a good choice only for the 486 DX4 processors running at 75 or 100MHz.		Software support is a mixed experience. While hardware capabilities are not outright bad, the video chipset seriously limit comfortable operating systems to Windows 3.1. Although Windows 95 is entirely possible, you should have at least 16MB of RAM available. DOS gaming is below average as anything newer than Wolfenstein 3D is barely playable, and the venerable DOOM is a good choice only for the 486 DX4 processors running at 75 or 100MHz.

Andrei.boiu at 14:09, 23 March 2022

2022-03-23T14:09:19Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:09, 23 March 2022
Line 69:		Line 69:
	The standard capacity harddrive is not adequate as even modest Windows 95 installations with a Microsoft Office 95 package can take around more than 300MB. The harddrive itself is noisy and very bulky (12mm height) but the plastic drive cage along with the laptop's own casing offer excellent noise damping capabilities as metal frames are almost entirely avoided.The keyboard, trackball and trackball buttons are close to the classic IBM standard of peripherals, which is a nice surprise. The keyboard feel and travel is just right for a classic model. The only discomfort comes from the trackball buttons that have indentations that are slightly unpleasant on longer use. Also, the slightly slanted palmrest creates a comfortable typing position.		The standard capacity harddrive is not adequate as even modest Windows 95 installations with a Microsoft Office 95 package can take around more than 300MB. The harddrive itself is noisy and very bulky (12mm height) but the plastic drive cage along with the laptop's own casing offer excellent noise damping capabilities as metal frames are almost entirely avoided.The keyboard, trackball and trackball buttons are close to the classic IBM standard of peripherals, which is a nice surprise. The keyboard feel and travel is just right for a classic model. The only discomfort comes from the trackball buttons that have indentations that are slightly unpleasant on longer use. Also, the slightly slanted palmrest creates a comfortable typing position.

	<youtube width="500" height="281">~~NPJupto8QLc~~</youtube>		<youtube width="500" height="281">rwRvMu5P0tg</youtube>

	The sound capability of the laptop is unbalanced. Inclusion of a soundcard is highly appreciated but lack of volume controls, except when using proprietary applications, seriously limits comfort. This issue is even more annoying as the speaker can either be too loud or relatively normal, as there is some variability between same equipped models. Even when you can hear the speaker, the quality it provides is just too low. It is clear that it was mostly designed for beeps not sound or music playback. Even more annoying is the use of a belt-driven floppy drive platter, which makes replacements and operation near impossible after so many years. It is difficult to find adequate replacement belts, but more laptops used this poor and cheap solution on laptops, notably Toshiba, for unknown reasons.		The sound capability of the laptop is unbalanced. Inclusion of a soundcard is highly appreciated but lack of volume controls, except when using proprietary applications, seriously limits comfort. This issue is even more annoying as the speaker can either be too loud or relatively normal, as there is some variability between same equipped models. Even when you can hear the speaker, the quality it provides is just too low. It is clear that it was mostly designed for beeps not sound or music playback. Even more annoying is the use of a belt-driven floppy drive platter, which makes replacements and operation near impossible after so many years. It is difficult to find adequate replacement belts, but more laptops used this poor and cheap solution on laptops, notably Toshiba, for unknown reasons.

	Software support is a mixed experience. While hardware capabilities are not outright bad, the video chipset seriously limit comfortable operating systems to Windows 3.1. Although Windows 95 is entirely possible, you should have at least 16MB of RAM available. DOS gaming is below average as anything newer than Wolfenstein 3D is barely playable, and the venerable DOOM is a good choice only for the 486 DX4 processors running at 100MHz.		<youtube width="500" height="281">NPJupto8QLc</youtube>

			Software support is a mixed experience. While hardware capabilities are not outright bad, the video chipset seriously limit comfortable operating systems to Windows 3.1. Although Windows 95 is entirely possible, you should have at least 16MB of RAM available. DOS gaming is below average as anything newer than Wolfenstein 3D is barely playable, and the venerable DOOM is a good choice only for the 486 DX4 processors running at 75 or 100MHz.

	{{footnotes\|		{{footnotes\|

Andrei.boiu: /* Features */

2022-03-22T09:28:58Z

Features

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:28, 22 March 2022
Line 8:		Line 8:
	*One of the following CPUs, placed on a CPU card:		*One of the following CPUs, placed on a CPU card:
	**Intel 486 SX at 25MHz		**Intel 486 SX at 25MHz
	**Intel 486 DX2 at 66MHz		**Intel 486 DX2 at 50 or 66MHz
	**Intel 486 DX4 at 75 or 100MHz		**Intel 486 DX4 at 75 or 100MHz
	*4MB memory on-board, 20MB max with 1x16MB module (on proprietary cards)		*4MB memory on-board, 20MB max with 1x16MB module (on proprietary cards)

Andrei.boiu: /* Review */

2022-03-16T11:28:53Z

Review

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:28, 16 March 2022
Line 62:		Line 62:

	The Western Digital branded video chipset was decent in 1993 but seriously obsolete by 1995 or 1996, late in the product's manufacturing run. The lack of any acceleration functions means that even running Windows 3.1 in 640x480 feels sluggish and Windows 95 operation is outright slow. It is very difficult to understand why Siemens agreed to linger on with this laptop configuration and using such video chipsets up until 1996, as they do not even expose full VESA capabilities, requiring loading a special VESA TSR to run some programs that require 640x480 in 256 colours. Also, although resolutions such as 1024x768 at 256 colors are possible, they are clearly beyond the user's patience. Provisions for monochrome screens also show the dated system platform, as most laptops have started to abandon in 1993 such display options.		The Western Digital branded video chipset was decent in 1993 but seriously obsolete by 1995 or 1996, late in the product's manufacturing run. The lack of any acceleration functions means that even running Windows 3.1 in 640x480 feels sluggish and Windows 95 operation is outright slow. It is very difficult to understand why Siemens agreed to linger on with this laptop configuration and using such video chipsets up until 1996, as they do not even expose full VESA capabilities, requiring loading a special VESA TSR to run some programs that require 640x480 in 256 colours. Also, although resolutions such as 1024x768 at 256 colors are possible, they are clearly beyond the user's patience. Provisions for monochrome screens also show the dated system platform, as most laptops have started to abandon in 1993 such display options.

			<youtube width="500" height="281">QUE65H9zlZA</youtube>

	The inclusion of a relatively modern TFT screen on some models, although the contrast ratio, response time and especially colour accuracy (fringing) seems slightly poorer than IBM's offerings, is one of the few saving graces in terms of technical prowess, as most laptops of its era either had poor color LCDs. RAM capabilities are mixed. The lack of standardization means that memory upgrades are quite difficult to find, as the laptop require a clearly proprietary memory module package, that looks as a slightly thick black cartridge. Similarly, CPU upgrades seem to be limited as there is a proprietary connector used for CPUs and CPUs are soldered on a CPU module board. Cooling is, however, adequate, so durability is ensured.		The inclusion of a relatively modern TFT screen on some models, although the contrast ratio, response time and especially colour accuracy (fringing) seems slightly poorer than IBM's offerings, is one of the few saving graces in terms of technical prowess, as most laptops of its era either had poor color LCDs. RAM capabilities are mixed. The lack of standardization means that memory upgrades are quite difficult to find, as the laptop require a clearly proprietary memory module package, that looks as a slightly thick black cartridge. Similarly, CPU upgrades seem to be limited as there is a proprietary connector used for CPUs and CPUs are soldered on a CPU module board. Cooling is, however, adequate, so durability is ensured.

			The standard capacity harddrive is not adequate as even modest Windows 95 installations with a Microsoft Office 95 package can take around more than 300MB. The harddrive itself is noisy and very bulky (12mm height) but the plastic drive cage along with the laptop's own casing offer excellent noise damping capabilities as metal frames are almost entirely avoided.The keyboard, trackball and trackball buttons are close to the classic IBM standard of peripherals, which is a nice surprise. The keyboard feel and travel is just right for a classic model. The only discomfort comes from the trackball buttons that have indentations that are slightly unpleasant on longer use. Also, the slightly slanted palmrest creates a comfortable typing position.

	<youtube width="500" height="281">NPJupto8QLc</youtube>		<youtube width="500" height="281">NPJupto8QLc</youtube>

	The standard capacity harddrive is not adequate as even modest Windows 95 installations with a Microsoft Office 95 package can take around more than 300MB. The harddrive itself is noisy and very bulky (12mm height) but the plastic drive cage along with the laptop's own casing offer excellent noise damping capabilities as metal frames are almost entirely avoided.The keyboard, trackball and trackball buttons are close to the classic IBM standard of peripherals, which is a nice surprise. The keyboard feel and travel is just right for a classic model. The only discomfort comes from the trackball buttons that have indentations that are slightly unpleasant on longer use. Also, the slightly slanted palmrest creates a comfortable typing position.

	The sound capability of the laptop is unbalanced. Inclusion of a soundcard is highly appreciated but lack of volume controls, except when using proprietary applications, seriously limits comfort. This issue is even more annoying as the speaker can either be too loud or relatively normal, as there is some variability between same equipped models. Even when you can hear the speaker, the quality it provides is just too low. It is clear that it was mostly designed for beeps not sound or music playback. Even more annoying is the use of a belt-driven floppy drive platter, which makes replacements and operation near impossible after so many years. It is difficult to find adequate replacement belts, but more laptops used this poor and cheap solution on laptops, notably Toshiba, for unknown reasons.		The sound capability of the laptop is unbalanced. Inclusion of a soundcard is highly appreciated but lack of volume controls, except when using proprietary applications, seriously limits comfort. This issue is even more annoying as the speaker can either be too loud or relatively normal, as there is some variability between same equipped models. Even when you can hear the speaker, the quality it provides is just too low. It is clear that it was mostly designed for beeps not sound or music playback. Even more annoying is the use of a belt-driven floppy drive platter, which makes replacements and operation near impossible after so many years. It is difficult to find adequate replacement belts, but more laptops used this poor and cheap solution on laptops, notably Toshiba, for unknown reasons.

Andrei.boiu: /* Greatest features & flaws */

2022-03-07T22:38:29Z

Greatest features & flaws

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:38, 8 March 2022
Line 51:		Line 51:
	\| Average Windows 3.1 DOS Gaming platform \|\| Cumbersome graphics support on some VESA modes		\| Average Windows 3.1 DOS Gaming platform \|\| Cumbersome graphics support on some VESA modes
	\|-		\|-
	\| Compact laptop, good soundcard \|\| Somewhat slow on Windows 95, limited RAM expansion capability		\| Compact laptop, good soundcard (if available) \|\| Somewhat slow on Windows 95, limited RAM expansion capability
	\|-		\|-
	\| Durable, comfortable keyboard and trackball \|\| Mediocre video chipset, poor speaker, no volume control		\| Durable, comfortable keyboard and trackball \|\| Mediocre video chipset, poor speaker, no volume control

Andrei.boiu at 22:32, 7 March 2022

2022-03-07T22:32:56Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:32, 8 March 2022
Line 33:		Line 33:
	</div>		</div>
	\|style="vertical-align:top" \|		\|style="vertical-align:top" \|
	[[Image:Siemens-Nixdorf PCD-4ND.jpg\|Siemens-Nixdorf PCD-4ND 9.5"]]		[[Image:Siemens-Nixdorf PCD-4ND.jpg\|Siemens-Nixdorf PCD-4ND 10.2"]]
	\|}		\|}

Andrei.boiu at 22:29, 7 March 2022

2022-03-07T22:29:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:29, 8 March 2022
Line 65:		Line 65:
	The inclusion of a relatively modern TFT screen on some models, although the contrast ratio, response time and especially colour accuracy (fringing) seems slightly poorer than IBM's offerings, is one of the few saving graces in terms of technical prowess, as most laptops of its era either had poor color LCDs. RAM capabilities are mixed. The lack of standardization means that memory upgrades are quite difficult to find, as the laptop require a clearly proprietary memory module package, that looks as a slightly thick black cartridge. Similarly, CPU upgrades seem to be limited as there is a proprietary connector used for CPUs and CPUs are soldered on a CPU module board. Cooling is, however, adequate, so durability is ensured.		The inclusion of a relatively modern TFT screen on some models, although the contrast ratio, response time and especially colour accuracy (fringing) seems slightly poorer than IBM's offerings, is one of the few saving graces in terms of technical prowess, as most laptops of its era either had poor color LCDs. RAM capabilities are mixed. The lack of standardization means that memory upgrades are quite difficult to find, as the laptop require a clearly proprietary memory module package, that looks as a slightly thick black cartridge. Similarly, CPU upgrades seem to be limited as there is a proprietary connector used for CPUs and CPUs are soldered on a CPU module board. Cooling is, however, adequate, so durability is ensured.

	<youtube width="500" height="281">~~PupSQ8oUTxY~~</youtube>		<youtube width="500" height="281">NPJupto8QLc</youtube>

	The standard capacity harddrive is not adequate as even modest Windows 95 installations with a Microsoft Office 95 package can take around more than 300MB. The harddrive itself is noisy and very bulky (12mm height) but the plastic drive cage along with the laptop's own casing offer excellent noise damping capabilities as metal frames are almost entirely avoided.The keyboard, trackball and trackball buttons are close to the classic IBM standard of peripherals, which is a nice surprise. The keyboard feel and travel is just right for a classic model. The only discomfort comes from the trackball buttons that have indentations that are slightly unpleasant on longer use. Also, the slightly slanted palmrest creates a comfortable typing position.		The standard capacity harddrive is not adequate as even modest Windows 95 installations with a Microsoft Office 95 package can take around more than 300MB. The harddrive itself is noisy and very bulky (12mm height) but the plastic drive cage along with the laptop's own casing offer excellent noise damping capabilities as metal frames are almost entirely avoided.The keyboard, trackball and trackball buttons are close to the classic IBM standard of peripherals, which is a nice surprise. The keyboard feel and travel is just right for a classic model. The only discomfort comes from the trackball buttons that have indentations that are slightly unpleasant on longer use. Also, the slightly slanted palmrest creates a comfortable typing position.

Andrei.boiu: /* Features */

2022-03-07T22:19:20Z

Features

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:19, 8 March 2022
Line 19:		Line 19:
	*1.44MB FDD (unreliable, belt driven platter rotation system) placed in a removable bay		*1.44MB FDD (unreliable, belt driven platter rotation system) placed in a removable bay
	*One of the following:		*One of the following:
	**ESS 688 audio controller, SoundBlaster 2.0/Adlib capable emulation ~~(on some models)~~		**ESS 688 audio controller, SoundBlaster 2.0/Adlib capable emulation
	**No soundcard, just PC beeper sound capability		**No soundcard, just PC beeper sound capability