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NEC Versa V/50
Description
The NEC Versa V/50 is a 50MHz intel 80486 DX2 SL notebook computer introduced by NEC Technologies in mid-late 1994 as a "value" model of their then brand new "Versa" line. It shares a lot of specifications and features with the NEC Versa E-series, particularly the Versa 50E. It was discontinued in early 1996 when it was replaced by the DX4 based 2000 series.
Specifications
The NEC Versa V-series differed from the rest of the PC-4xx model Versa in that the screen is not removable. This required a whole new palmwrest/hinge/screen and latching assembly from the other models, noticeable by the long bar along the top edge of the screen, the lack of a latch above the trackball, and 2 holes 1" in from the edges of the laptop. The actual specifications are below...
- Intel 80486 DX2 SL CPU at 50MHz
- 4MB of on-board RAM, expandable to 20MB via 4/8/12/16 MB Proprietary Memory Cards
- 7.2v 3800mAH Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery, up to two with the Floppy Drive Removed
- NEC OP-570-4401 AC Adapter
- 1.44MB 3.5" NEC "VersaBay" Floppy Drive, removable to facilitate a second battery
- 250MB, 320MB, and 540MB 44 Pin IDE Drives in user-upgradable and tool-less "DrivePak's"
- Western Digital WD90C024 1MB SVGA Graphics Chipset and LCD Controller
- Internal Speaker Sound
- 2x PCMCIA Type II Expansion Slots for 16-bit cards w/ Cirrus Chipset
- Pre-Loaded with MS-DOS 6.2x and Windows 3.1x Standard
There were at least 2 screen options for this notebook, possibly even three.
- NEC NL6448AC30-10 9.4" Active Matrix Color (V/50C) LCD
- Kyocera 9.4" DTSN Monochrome or color LCD (V/50D)
The V/50 was one of the more popular models of NEC Versa 486, likely because it was inexpensive compared to other models that could go as high as $6000 in a fully decked out touch screen with audio configuration. So they are a bit more common. It seems the majority were made in 1995, with a couple early 1996 builds and some late 1994 builds as well (first digit of the Serial# is the year).