KenEG
Experienced Member
I watch eBay for these because it was my first IBM compatible computer. I saw one for $139 and noticed it was listed as having a standard IDE port. I wrote to tell the seller that this was an error, I had no intention to buy it. He thanked me and asked if I was interested. I told him I could only offer $80, because I would want to add VGA and sound cards and a keyboard. This would make the total price up beyond what I was willing to pay. Plus I would be taking a chance on motherboard damage from a leaking battery. He put a Sound Blaster CT2910 and a Mach32 in it, provided a photo showing minimal damage from the battery and offered it for $100, free shipping. At that point, how could I refuse? I got it a couple of weeks ago and verified that it booted.
Tonight I removed the battery and cleaned the motherboard. There truly was little to no damage. I soldered in wires and have a wireless phone battery installed on the inside of the front, plastic case. Put it back together and verified that it boots. I have downloaded the disk images for the computer, making the disks will be a project for another day. I also bought a Seagate ST351A/X 43MB hard drive for $45.95 that is supposed to be tested working. Depending on my BIOS version, it may only be usable in 20MB mode. That was all mine had anyhow and maybe I can upgrade the BIOS later.
I have been reading about this computer and certainly didn't appreciate how nice it was when I had the original. I am using it with an XT keyboard for now. I hope to acquire the correct keyboard some day, if I can get one at a reasonable price.
I will post more as this project progresses.
Tonight I removed the battery and cleaned the motherboard. There truly was little to no damage. I soldered in wires and have a wireless phone battery installed on the inside of the front, plastic case. Put it back together and verified that it boots. I have downloaded the disk images for the computer, making the disks will be a project for another day. I also bought a Seagate ST351A/X 43MB hard drive for $45.95 that is supposed to be tested working. Depending on my BIOS version, it may only be usable in 20MB mode. That was all mine had anyhow and maybe I can upgrade the BIOS later.
I have been reading about this computer and certainly didn't appreciate how nice it was when I had the original. I am using it with an XT keyboard for now. I hope to acquire the correct keyboard some day, if I can get one at a reasonable price.
I will post more as this project progresses.