This is an IBM PS/2 Model L40 SX Vintage Laptop Computer (Type 8543-044) Including Documentation, Accessories, and Original, Optional Deluxe CarryingCase.
In 1991, this laptop was given to my friend, an IBM Manager, by the company at their Charlotte, North Carolina facility.From what I was told, this laptop was part of early internal testing, deemed OK, and given to my friend. He never used it and it shows. It is in original, very nice, and unrestored condition having spent the past 33 years in a smoke-free environment, safely tucked away in its original (optional) deluxe carrying case. You’ll get everything you see in the photos, right down to the pristine, un-filled-out customer registration form. Inside the mouse is spotless and the reference diskette is still in the plastic shrink wrap. I don’t know much about older IBM computers, but this one fired right up, sounded smooth and quiet, and had a nice nostalgic beep. The full-size keyboard is worthy of its praise, every computer should have a keyboard this nice. This laptop also has the optionalIBM PS/2 Internal Data/Fax Modem for Model L40 SX. It also contains the optional 4MB Memory Module upgrade.
I have been told by someone viewing this listing that there are two error codes showing in one of the photos, 161 and 163, meaning the little internal CMOS battery needs to be changed. That makes sense after 33 years. They also told me it is booting up in Cassette BASIC.
This computer has never left IBM hands. From my looking online, this may be the best one out there.
TheIBM PS/2 Model L40 SX was $5,995 when it came out ($13,924 today!) The optional Internal Modem, deluxecarrying case and 4MB memory upgrade were an additional $2,853. (over $6,600 today!)
Time has dried out the handle fabric on the carrying case, and the hinged covers on the back of the laptop are brittle... one is missing, one is broken, one is ok.
As a specialbonus mystery I’ll include a label that popped off the bottom of the laptop. It says “VICTOR CORP.” and has some numbers and a date. Again, from what I was told, this laptop was part of early internal testing, deemed OK, and given to my friend. He never used it. Since this computer has never left IBM\'s control, thelabel is a mystery to me. It may mean nothing, perhaps an IBM historian would know more. There is a photo of the label.
I am saleing/selling this laptop for my friend, the now retired IBM Manager and its original owner. I have created this account specifically for the purpose of selling this laptop as it seemed like the best place to do so... that’s why this is a brand new account.
The laptop will be well packaged when shipped.
The laptop is sold \"as is\" and there are no returns.
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The following is the originalIBM PS/2 Model L40 SX announcement letter from 1991:
IBM PS/2 L40 SX Announcement Letter
Announcement Letter Number 191-030 dated March 26, 1991
US - Last Revised on March 26, 1991
Brief Description of Announcement, Charges, and AvailabilityThe Personal System/2® (PS/2®) Model L40 SX is a small, lightweight, battery (AC/DC) operated portable laptop system. The PS/2 Model L40 SX is designed for the mobile professional who needs a high function portable that is convenient to carry and use, and has the speed and capacity to support advanced applications. Standard features include a 20MHz 80386SX processor, 2MB of 80ns memory (expandable to 18MB), 60MB fixed disk, 3.5-inch 1.44MB diskette drive, Video Graphics Array (VGA) resolution Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), 84/85 key keyboard, and serial, parallel, keypad/mouse, VGA monitor, and external expansion I/O ports for attaching external devices. In addition, each system includes an external 17 key numeric keypad, an AC adapter, a rechargeable battery pack, and a carrying case.
Also announced as options for the PS/2 Model L40 SX are a data/fax modem for the U.S. and Canada, a second serial adapter, a Trackpoint pointing device, 2, 4, or 8MB memory upgrades, a quick charger and a car battery adapter.
Planned Availability Date: March 26, 1991, for system, options, accessories and supplies. April 15, 1991, for the Car Battery Adapter, Trackpoint, Data/Fax Modem, and Quick Charger. April 30, 1991, for the French Canadian model.
® Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
Customer Letter productivity of mobile professionals who need a high function, small, lightweight, battery (AC/DC) portable laptop system
Enables advanced business solutions in AC/DC portable laptops by providing a fast processor (20MHz 80386-SX), large memory (2 to 18MB), large DASD (60MB), and an internal data/fax modem optionImproves satisfaction with usability of AC/DC operated portable laptops for users who want a high resolution LCD, familiar IBM keyboard layout, and efficient power managementProtects user\'s investment in supported IBM peripherals and PRODUCTIVITYThe small, lightweight PS/2 Model L40 SX is convenient for mobile professionals to take to home, client and classroom locations where AC outlets are not always conveniently accessible. Timely electronic capture of data at its source, and immediate access to information in the remote work place, improves users\' productivity, and adds quality and value to the products and services they provide.
The PS/2 Model L40 SX physical package is based on a clamshell design. The PS/2 Model L40 SX fits in most attache cases and weighs 7.7 pounds, including the rechargeable battery pack.
The high function in a small size and lightweight is achieved by combining advanced technologies such as:
- 10mm thick, cold fluorescent sidelit, black on white monochrome LCD with VGA resolution
- 2.5-inch fixed disk
- 17mm high \'super slim\' 3.5-inch floppy disk drive
- Thin 84/85 key keyboard
- Highly integrated planar
- Power management hardware and firmware
- Low power DASD, LCD, memory technologies.
BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
The PS/2 Model L40 SX combines the flexibility of a portable laptop and a desktop system, with the system resources to run advanced PS/2 applications.
While in the office or at home, users can attach one of the supported IBM color displays or use the integrated LCD. The external numeric keypad is provided with all systems for numeric data entry applications. The following IBM PS/2 Model L40 SX standard I/O ports are provided:
- Pointing device port for the external numeric keypad, the IBM PS/2 Trackpoint for Model L40 SX or the IBM Mouse. The numeric keypad also has a mouse port to enable both numeric keypad and pointing device connections concurrently.
- Serial device port for connecting serial devices or external modems for connectivity to Wide Area Networks including the Ardis data radio services network.
- Parallel device port for connecting devices such as printers.
- VGA display port for connecting supported IBM VGA monitors.
- External expansion port reserved for future use.
To boost performance, a co-processor socket, designed to be compatible with Intel 80387SX 20MHz co-processor or equivalent, is provided for process/compute intensive applications. For applications that require or perform better with large size memory, each PS/2 Model L40 SX has 2MB of memory with optional memory modules for up to 18MB. There are two memory sockets available for up to two memory module option kits. Memory module options of 2, 4, and 8MB support memory configurations of 2 (standard), 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 18MB.
In the U.S. and Canada, the optional IBM PS/2 Internal Data/Fax Modem for Model L40 SX is available for communicating with other systems. It has two RJ11 phone jacks for concurrent network and telephone handset connections. It supports data (up to 2400bps) and fax (9600bps) communications, and standard Hayes AT® commands. For customers worldwide who need a second serial port, the IBM PS/2 Serial Adapter for Model L40 SX is optionally available. The co-processor, memory and modem or serial adapter sockets are inside the system unit.
® Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT AND USABILITY
The display, keyboard, power management, and packaging technologies used in the PS/2 Model L40 SX improves user satisfaction with the convenience and usability of AC/DC portables. The design provides:
- Convenient weight and size for carrying in a briefcase or via the standard or optional carrying cases:
- The standard carrying case is included with each PS/2 Model L40 SX system. It is a thin, leather, black case with a shoulder strap, a compartment for the system unit, and several small pockets for carrying diskettes.
- The optional deluxe carrying case is a black, cloth case with pockets and compartments to carry portable options or business materials in addition to the system unit.
- The optional travel case is a black, molded plastic, luggage type case with easy rolling wheels, a handle for carrying, and a telescopic handle for pulling. The interior is padded and contains space for portable options or peripherals, and business materials, as well as the system unit. It conforms to FAA luggage regulations which allow it to be carried on board aircraft.
- Easy to read, 10-inch Supertwisted Nematic (STN) Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) with 640 X 480 Video Graphic Array (VGA) resolution, and cold fluorescent sidelighting with a 12 to 1 contrast ratio. Depending on the application, up to 32 grey scales can be addressed on the LCD. It displays black characters on a white background with 80 characters per line and 25 lines per screen.
- Familiar IBM Keyboard layout with 84/85 keys and an external, 17 key numeric keypad totaling 101/102 full size keys. The location, size and spacing of the keys will be familiar to users of the IBM enhanced keyboard.
- Adaptable two-sided pointing device (Trackpoint) option used to control cursor movement. One side supports trackball operation and the other side is used as a mouse.
- Efficient power management:
- To allow productive use of the mobile user\'s time, a suspend/resume function is provided. An application is suspended by closing the clamshell leaving the power switch on. When the clamshell is opened, the application resumes at the point it was suspended. During suspension system components are automatically powered off except for the real time clock and application memory. The system can be set to resume at a specific time of day.
- For changing the rechargeable battery pack without disrupting the application, an internal backup battery is provided.
- To reduce the frequency of recharging the batteries, trickle recharging occurs during AC operation.
- To prolong battery life between recharges, a switch is provided for user selection of manual or automatic mode. In automatic mode, the hardware initiates low clock speed operation during idle periods. In manual mode, the processor runs at the default clock speed set by the user when the system is configured. The clock speed settings are 20, 10, and 5MHz.
- To conserve battery power, the hardware supports sleep mode. Sleep mode conserves battery power during idle times between clock cycles and key strokes by putting system components in an idle state resulting in low power usage. Sleep mode is not operational when an external display is attached. This function is exploited by DOS and OS/2®. Application, operational, operating system, and environmental characteristics will affect actual battery duration between recharges.
- Informative LCD display with international symbols that indicate operational and environmental status including battery gauge, dew point (humidity), temperature limit indicator, modem carrier detect, numeric lock, scroll lock, speaker enabled, suspend mode, diskette drive in use, and fixed drive in use.
INVESTMENT PROTECTION
The PS/2 Model L40 SX is designed as a compatible member of the PS/2 family using the IBM DOS or OS/2 operating systems. Users of IBM keyboards and software should adapt to the new PS/2 Model L40 SX quickly. Mobile professionals who already have compatible peripherals and applications may view the portable PS/2 Model L40 SX as an extension of their current investment strategy.
STATEMENT OF GENERAL DIRECTION
IBM intends to provide an AC powered expansion unit for the PS/2 Model L40 SX to provide connectivity to IBM 3270, 5250 and Token-Ring networks using the Personal Computer AT® half sized adapter cards. Any other half size adapters that may be supported will be identified at announcement.
® Registered trademark of International Business Machines Quick Reference manual and Reference Diskette (S84F-7577) are shipped with the system unit.
The Quick Reference manual contains an introduction to the computer and trouble-shooting instructions. The Reference Diskette contains diagnostics and utilities. Additional copies are available.
The following publications are available:
ORDER PART
PUBLICATION NUMBER NUMBER
Hardware Maintenance
Library S15F-2271 15F2271
Technical Reference S15F-2270 15F2270
Keyboard 3-Template Set S84F-9782 84F9782
Data/Fax Modem
Technical Reference S15F-2268 15F2268
The Hardware Maintenance Library publication is for service personnel and details many aspects of maintaining the machine. The publication includes a parts catalog, the reference diskette containing advanced diagnostics, and instructions for identifying the failing field replaceable unit.
The Technical Reference publications are for programmers, engineers and others who want to understand the PS/2 Model L40 SX system unit in greater detail. The publications include functional specifications, hardware specifications and pinouts for peripheral connectors.
Publications may be ordered from an IBM Authorized Dealer, an IBM representative, or through the Technical Directory. Also, publications are available through the IBM Software/Publications response line (1-800-327-5711). A complete listing of IBM Personal System/2 and IBM Personal Computer hardware publications is available by calling the Technical Directory at 1-800-IBM-PCTB planned availability date is March 26, 1991, for system, options, accessories and supplies. The Car Battery Adapter, Trackpoint, Data/Fax Modem, and Quick Charger will be available April 15, 1991. The French Canadian model will be available April 30, 1991.
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
SPECIFIED OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS:
- Width: 325mm (12.8-in.)
- Depth: 272mm (10.7-in.)
- Height: 53.2mm (2.1-in.)
- Weight: 3.5kg (7.7 lb. including the battery pack)
OPERATING ENVIRONMENT:
- Temperature at sea level: 5 (degs)to 35 (degs)C (41 (degs) to 95 (degs)F)
- Relative Humidity: 5% to 95%
- Wet Bulb: 29.4 (degs)C (85 (degs)F)
- Altitude: 8000 ft. Maximum (2438 Meters)
PROGRAMMING REQUIREMENTS: The following operating systems support the PS/2 Model L40 SX:
- IBM DOS 3.3
- IBM DOS 4.0
- Operating System/2® Standard Edition Version 1.3 at refresh level 1.30.1
- Operating System/2 Extended Edition Version 1.3 at refresh level 1.30.1.
® Registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
COMPATIBILITY: The PS/2 Model L40 SX is designed to be compatible with the IBM Personal Computer, Personal Computer XT™ and Personal Computer AT at the BIOS interface level (BIOS not identical) and at most hardware interfaces. The PS/2 Model L40 SX has been designed to maintain compatibility with existing personal computer software and non-timing dependent features. Due to battery operation, small size and lightweight design, Personal Computer XT and Personal Computer AT memory upgrades and adapters are not supported.
™ Trademark of International Business Machines Corporation.
LIMITATIONS: Only one IBM PS/2 4MB Memory Module Option Kit for Model L40 SX upgrade per system. There are no internal slots for attaching adapters/cards other than the specific IBM PS/2 Model L40 SX options. When the VGA port is operational, the integrated LCD is not operational. The IBM PS/2 Internal Data/Fax Modem for Model L40 SX and IBM PS/2 Serial Adapter for Model L40 SX optional features use the same internal connector so only one of these options can be installed per system. External keyboards are not supported. When the 5MHz manual speed option is selected, some applications (such as communications and timing dependent programs) may not function properly. Operating System/2 Standard Edition (SE) and Extended Edition (EE) Versions 1.3 are only supported at refresh level 1.30.1 or later. PS/2 Model L40 SX customers wishing to install an existing OS/2 Version 1.3 SE or EE license not at refresh level 1.30.1 or higher, may obtain a modification to their OS/2 that will support the IBM PS/2 Model L40 SX by calling [phone removed by ] (U.S and Puerto Rico). There is no charge for this modification which will be available no later than April 12, 1991, for EE and March 26, 1991, for SE.
PLANNING INFORMATION
CABLE ORDERS: All cables are included with the system.
INSTALLABILITY: By following the setup instructions, the user attaches peripherals and inserts the Reference Diskette. Power is then turned on and Set Configuration is run after the computer has successfully completed its initial self-tests.
PROBLEM DETERMINATION: If a failure is found at initial installation, an instruction will appear on the screen. If the test is successfully completed, the system attempts to load an operating system from the \'A\' drive. If an operating system is not found, the system attempts to load one from the fixed disk drive. If an operating system is not found, the user will be prompted via an icon to insert a diskette. A final default is provided through the use of a ROM-loaded BASIC interpreter as explained in the Quick Reference manual.
PACKAGING: Each PS/2 Model L40 SX ships from the plant in a single carton. Since the keyboard is integrated with the system unit (clamshell), a unique part number is required for each PS/2 Model L40 SX model and country specific keyboard.
The model and part number for U.S., Canadian and Asia/Pacific English countries are:
- 8543-044 -- 79F1049 Each U.S., Canadian and Asia/Pacific English carton contains:
- System unit with U.S. keyboard
- AC adapter
- Rechargeable battery pack
- U.S. power cord
- U.S. numeric keypad and cable
- Carrying case
- Quick Reference and Reference Diskette
- Hints and tips.
The appropriate power cord is added for each Asia/Pacific country by the distribution center. For Japan, U.S. AC Adapter (65F0218) and U.S. power cord (6952301) are replaced with a Dentori approved AC Adapter with power cord (79F3910) at the appropriate AP distribution center...
(You can find much more online.)
