A: It depends on what you mean by the question. If you are trying to configure BIOS parameters, such as the drive type or the memory size, you can't do it. Keep in mind that this is an XT (8088) class system. That feature didn't start showing up until the AT (80286) class systems. Some hardware settings can be changed via the DIP switches.
If you are looking for diagnostic routines, there is a BIOS feature that ZDS refers to as a monitor. This is accessed by pressing <Ctrl> <Alt> <Ins>. (Some people have reported that they use <Ctrl> <Alt> <Enter>.) This will allow you do memory tests, disk tests, etc.
A: Zenith Data Systems specified an 8087-2 for this system. Intel actually made four different versions of the 8087.
| Chip | Speed |
|---|---|
| 8087 | 4.77 MHz |
| 8087-1 | 10 MHz |
| 8087-2 | 8 MHz |
| 8087-3 | 4.77 MHz |
The chips you can use depend on the speed setting for your SupersPORT. It's not usually a problem to run a chip slower than its rated speed. Just don't run it faster. If your system is set for 4.77 MHz any of these chips will work. If it's set for 8 MHz you can use either an 8087-1 or an 8087-2.
These chips have been out of production for several years. You might find one at your local computer swap shop, on eBay, etc. I've seen a few on eBay, with prices ranging from $5.00 to $50.00. Unless you have specific software that requires one, I wouldn't bother. Most software doesn't use it, and it'll just drain the battery that much faster.
A: No. It has a 720K drive. You cannot read or write disks formatted for 1.44MB.
A: This error could either mean that you're either trying to use a 1.44MB disk in a 720KB disk drive (see the previous question) or you're trying to use an unformatted disk.
A: No. Neither the BIOS nor the disk controller will support a 1.44MB drive.
A: Only if you format it for 720K. You can fool the drive by putting a piece of tape over the little hole in the corner of the disk. (Not the one with the slider, the other one.) This prevents the drive from recognizing that this is really a 1.44MB disk. To format it, use the following command from the DOS prompt:
c:\>format a: /u /f:720To make a bootable disk, add the /s parameter:
c:\>format a: /u /f:720 /sThe disk will only boot in the SupersPORT if you formatted it on a system running DOS or Windows 3.1. Windows 95, 98, NT, and 2000 require a 80386 or better processor.
Update: Being able to use 1.44MB disks seems to be depend on the particular drive. On some drives it works okay. On others you get data errors. I would not recommend it.
A: Assuming that we are discussing Windows 3.0 or higher, the answer is no. This machine only has an 8MHz 8088 processor and 640K of RAM. The built-in monitor is CGA. Some creative soul might be able to add enough hardware with an expansion chassis (if you could find one) to get Windows to run, but it certainly wouldn't be portable anymore. If you want a laptap to run Windows, I would recommend a 386 or better.
A: If you flip the unit over, the 8088 models have a small access cover on the underside. If you pry this open, there should be a set of eight DIP switches and a socket for a 8087. This is a an 8088 model.
The keyboard layouts are also slightly different. (I'll add some pictures one of these days.)
A: Yes. I've done this using a Xircom Pocket Ethernet 3 adapter that attaches to the parallel port. See Using the SupersPORT on a Network for details.
A: Yes. You can replace the 80C88 CPU with an NEC V20. This will yield a performance improvement of about 15%. You should use an 8 or 10 MHz V20.
Last modified 6/3/2009