Epson NB3s Expansion Unit Product Support Bulletin

EPSON AMERICA, INC.

Product Support Bulletin

EPSON

Subject:

Date: 8/7/91

Page(s): 1 of 8

GENERAL
Q1.
A1.

Q2.

A2.

Epson NB3s Questions and Answers

PSB No:
Originator: MWT

What is the Epson NB3s?
The Epson NB3s is Epson’s first modern notebook computer. Epson actually

pioneered the notebook field back in 1982 with the HX-20. The NB3s offers
the full functionality of an AT-compatible computer, with excellent expansion
capabilities.

What are some of the standard features?

The Epson NB3s includes a 16 MHz 80386SX microprocessor; support for an
optional 80387SX numeric coprocessor; 1 MB of RAM (0 wait state on page

hit); 2 removable, rechargeable NiCad batteries; a 3.5”, 1.44MB floppy disk
drive; 640 x 480, paper-white VGA-compatible LCD; parallel/external FDD, RS­232C serial and external VGA analog monitor ports; connector for an external

10-key numeric keypad; MS-DOS 4.01.

S-0130B

What are some of the options and expansion capabilities?

Q3.

The 1 MB of system RAM can be expanded to either 2MB or 5MB total; 20MB,

A3.

40MB and 60MB removable hard drive cartridges can be installed; and the

expansion unit which provides 2 16-bit, AT-type expansion slots, power supply

and a slot for a removable 120MB hard drive cartridge.

How much does the Epson NB3s weigh?

Q4.

A4.

5.8 pounds with the hard drive cartridge and battery installed. The Epson

NB3s and expansion unit together weigh 9.5 pounds. At 1.72” by 8.5” by

11.8”, the Epson NB3s fits easily in a standard briefcase.

PSB No: S-0130B
Page: 2 of 8

BATTERY

What kind of battery life can you expect from the Epson NB3s?

Q5.

A5.

Q6.

A6.

Q7.

A7.

Q8.

A8.

Testing has revealed, under typical operating conditions, an estimated battery

life of 1 to 1.5 hours. Depending on the configuration and usage, the battery
life could be more or less. Since 2 batteries are included, this equates to 2 to
3 hours of working time.

Are additional batteries available? How are the batteries charged?
Yes, additional batteries are available as an option. The batteries can be

charged in the Epson NB3s by either connecting the standard AC adapter or

installing the NB3s in the expansion unit. There is also an external battery
charger available that can charge up to 2 batteries at a time.

Can batteries be changed “on the fly”?

No! The Epson NB3s must be powered off before changing the battery.
Attempting to change it while the computer is powered on will damage the

battery or computer (possibly both) and void the warranty.

How long does it take to fully charge the battery?

In the Epson NB3s (either with the AC adapter or the expansion unit), it takes

5 hours with the computer turned off to fully charge the battery. When you’re

using the computer, it takes 8 hours for a full charge. The external charger

produces a full charge after 5 hours. Note that if you do not completely

charge a new battery and attempt to use the computer, you may experience

atypical operation.

Are there any other power supply options?

Q9.

A9.

Yes, an automotive cigarette lighter adapter is available.

Q10. How much do the batteries weigh?

A10. Approximately 8 ounces each.

PSB No: S-0130B
Page: 3 of 8

DISK DRIVES
Q11. What hard drives are being used?
A11. All of the Epson NB3s hard drives are made by Conner Peripherals, the

acknowledged leader in very small, low power hard drives. The models used
are the CP-2024, CP-2044 and CP-2064 for the 20, 40 and 60MB removable
drives for the Epson NB3s itself. The CP-30104 (120MB) is used for the
expansion unit.

Q12. Can the hard drives be changed “on the fly”?

A12. No! As with the battery, changing the drives while the computer is powered

on will damage the hard drive and/or computer and will void the warranty.

Q13. Why do I get a hard drive SETUP error if I change from a 20MB to a 40MB or

60MB hard drive?

A13. The different drives have different physical parameters. This is why you have

to run SETUP and adjust the drive size when you changes drives.

Q14. If the expansion unit hard drive is 120MB, why does it only format out to

112MB?

A14. The ROM BIOS drive type table only provides standard AT drive types. Drive

type 9 (900 cylinders, 15 heads, 17 sets/track, 112MB) is the closest match to
the translate mode parameters of the CP-30104 hard drive.

Q15. If I have the 120MB hard drive installed in the expansion unit and I boot the

Epson NB3s when it’s not installed on the expansion unit, will I get a SETUP

error?

A15. No. The BIOS was written to take that possibility into account.

Q16. If I have the expansion unit hard drive and no hard drive in the Epson NB3s,

will the system boot from the expansion unit hard drive?

A16. No, the expansion unit drive is treated as a strictly non-bootable device. To

be able to access the expansion unit drive, you must have a hard drive

installed in the NB3s.

Q17. What floppy disk drive is used?

A17. The Seiko Epson SMD-1040. This is the smallest, lowest power consumption

3.5”, 1.44MB floppy disk drive currently available.