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Mr. Tahara's 5535-M18
Introduction
Specifications
Models
Overview
Internal Components
Content by "Kyondy Ayase" (original HERE),
"Mr. Tahara" (mirror HERE
& HERE), and Tomáš Slavotínek.
Introduction
The 5535-M is the only laptop in the Multistation family. The LCD is capable
of displaying 16-dot characters and the display adapter uses a built-in Kanji
ROM.
The 10 MHz 286 CPU is relatively weak, but the overall performance seems to
be comparable to the 5535-S. This is mainly because the machine has hardware
support for Chinese characters. In fact screen scrolling in DOS/V (with Chinese
characters) seems to be faster on the 5535-M. The PC-9801 series used the same
approach, achieving higher text mode performance than the contemporary DOS/V
machines.
Various communication adapters were available as options to facilitate
connection to various host computers. Numeric keypads and mice can be connected
to the M1 models.
The software compatibility is very limited. Despite having a i80286
processor, it doesn't support OS/2. The later 5535-S
was the first DOS/V compatible IBM laptop.
Specifications
CPU: Intel 80286 10 MHz
RAM: 1 - 2 MB; Memory above 1MB can be used only as a RAM Disk.
HDD: 20 - 30 MB
LCD: Monochrome STN, 720x512 resolution, 16-dot characters
Options
Because it's a laptop, the form factor of the expansion slot is different
from other models. The adapter interface itself may be the same however.
Models
| Model |
Price
(JY) |
CPU |
RAM |
HDD |
FDD |
Video |
#
Sl. |
Notes |
| 5535-M08 |
595,000 |
i80286
10 MHz |
1MB
2MB |
20 |
3.5"
2HDx1 |
16-dot
Mono |
1 |
|
| 5535-M18 |
595,000 |
i80286
10 MHz |
1MB
2MB |
20 |
3.5"
2HDx1 |
16-dot
Mono |
1 |
|
| 5535-M19 |
595,000 |
i80286
10 MHz |
1MB
2MB |
30 |
3.5"
2HDx1 |
16-dot
Mono |
1 |
|
| 5535-MR8 |
unknown |
i80286
10 MHz |
1MB
2MB |
20 |
3.5"
2HDx1 |
16-dot
Mono |
1 |
Ricoh OEM |
| 5535-MS8 |
unknown |
i80286
10 MHz |
1MB
2MB |
20 |
3.5"
2HDx1 |
16-dot
Mono |
1 |
Ricoh OEM |
| 5535-MS9 |
unknown |
i80286
10 MHz |
1MB
2MB |
30 |
3.5"
2HDx1 |
16-dot
Mono |
1 |
Ricoh OEM |
* All models are equipped with Kanji font ROM as standard.
Note: The list includes some models that were not
covered by the available IBM documentation (see entries with "unknown" price).
The information pertaining to these models may not be entirely accurate.
Overview
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The machine takes a considerable amount of space on the desk. I think the
correct term used to describe this machine is a "space-saving desktop", which
is quite fitting.
See the size comparison with some other portables
(from the top: IBM ThinkPad 340, NEC PC-98LT, 5535-M18).
Compared to the later 5535-S, this machine has a boxier and sharper design.
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The keyboard appears to be using a compressed version of the Type 1 layout
(click to enlarge). Some websites claim the keyboard to be equivalent to the
5576 Type 1, but since this is a Multistation machine, it's strictly 5556001
compliant.
The feel and sound are completely different from the desktop keyboard. The
key press feels harder than the 5556 but softer than the 5576 Type 1 and 2.
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The LCD panel of this unit has a unique resolution of 720x512.
The panel is, of course, monochrome, with contrast and brightness adjustment
knobs at the bottom right..
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The machine with the LCD panel closed.
At first glance, it looks like a box, but the LCD panel is slightly thinner
toward the front...
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The mouse port, floppy drive, hard drive, and power switch are located on
the right side. The red power switch and blue floppy eject button add some nice
accents.
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View of the left side with the carrying handle pulled out.
It looks rather empty, until...
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...you look closely, and notice the three removable covers.
One is for a RS232C port (25-pin), another hides a set of switches, and the
large one at the top is for an expansion slot.
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The expansion slot populated with a 5250 Adapter/LT (click to enlarge).
The purpose of the four DIP block is unknown. To the right of the switches
is a TEST button and TEST status indicator.
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View of the back.
It has an AC power connector, a printer port (36-pin, sigh), and an exhaust
fan sticking out in the middle.
The legs/handles on the sides ensure clearance between the fan and ground
(or other surface) when the unit is set upright.
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The unit ready to be carried.
The two black buttons below tha handle unlock the LCD lid.
The type/model and serial number label is hidden behind the handle (not
visible in this image, but just above the lock).
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5535M in an upright position.
The center of gravity may be somewhat higher compared to the 5535S because
of the legs/handles on the back. The unit is quite heavy - over 7 kg.
Also notice the large round rubber feet on the bottom.
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The machine in operation.
Thanks to its unusual architecture it's difficult to obtain compatible
software and utilize the machine.
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Another sample in operation.
Source: HERE
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Internal Components
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View of the 5535-M18 planar (click to enlarge).
Notice the highly unusual chip modules with exposed die.
The board was made by Matsushita (Panasonic).
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Detail of the 5250 Adapter/LT (click to enlarge).
Unlike the adapter on the architecture page,
this one doesn't have the address switch. That's because the selection is done
through software.
The main components are the same as on the S36/38 Workstation MCA adapter.
2x 5959949, 59X3380, 7378945, i8088, 8259A-2, 24 MHz oscillator, 9x DRAM (here in ZIP).
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