This handheld packs an Intel 386 CPU for true retro PC gaming

[Shawn Knight]

In brief: You'd think that with so many handheld consoles already on the market, manufacturers would have all the bases covered but you'd be wrong as a new device recently uncovered on AliExpress caters specially to retro PC DOS / Windows gamers.

The Hand 386 is a PDA style handheld computer that, according to the listing, is powered by an Intel 386SX CPU running an M6117D SoC / M1217 chipset. The CPU is said to be clocked at 40 MHz with 8 MB of memory on tap, and works alongside a Chips F65535 video card (640 x 480 resolution, 256 colors).

A 1 GB CF card connected via an IDE adapter handles storage duties, and a Yamaha YMF262-M OPL3 manages audio. Per the listing, the handheld is suitable for Windows 3.1 – Windows 95 / MS-DOS 6.22 – 7.1. The specs also reference a USB connector, an 8-bit ISA port, a 3.5 mm audio out jack, a VGA output and support for a PS/2 mouse and keyboard.

The handheld is said to measure 15 cm x 13 cm x 1.6 cm, or roughly 5.9 in x 5.1 in x 2.4 in, and packs a 2500 mAh battery. A video accompanying the listing demonstrates the system running Tyrian 2000, which you can pick up for free over on GOG.

The listing shows that 60 units have been sold. Unfortunately for prospective buyers, the item is now marked as no longer available and it is unclear when or if it will be restocked. According to Tom's Hardware, the Hand 386 carried a retail price of $195.

The advantage of a system like this is that it allows you to run games or apps natively without having to deal with emulation. That said, you would probably need to be a pretty dedicated retro enthusiast to even consider dropping nearly $200 on such a dinosaur of a machine but it is still neat that it exists.

Found is a TechSpot feature where we share clever, funny or otherwise interesting stuff from around the web.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/98711-handheld-packs-intel-386-cpu-true-retro-pc.html

 

[MakeMSGreatAgain]

$200 really isn't that much these days, especially with integrated screen and the I/O. You could easily spend over that on old hardware, SATA to IDE adapters and other accessories to get an old machine up and running. If you're that into this stuff then it might be worth it.

 

[amghwk]

Need an integrated touchpad (may be impossible here) or at least a touch point like the ThinkPads, if you want it to be truly portable.

For now, I am satisfied with classic "machines" running in 86Box (A much better fork of PCem). I not only have a "386", but a "486", Tandy 1000, 8086, a 286, ..well, just create whatever true period-correct specifications that you want. It can emulate many retro hardwares and you can actually use the original drivers and BIOS files for these. Each with their period-specific sound cards - Adlib, Sound Blaster Pro, 16, AWE32, etc.

I also run Windows 3.x in Dosbox.

All, complete with true MT-32 Emulation and a Roland SC-55 like soundfont.

And all this in my laptop which also doubles up as my main working laptop.

 

[NicktheWVAHick]

Only 60 units sold? No longer available? I predict by Christmas it will be selling on EBay for $6,000.

 

[LetTheWookieWin]

Need an integrated touchpad (may be impossible here) or at least a touch point like the ThinkPads, if you want it to be truly portable.

For now, I am satisfied with classic "machines" running in 86Box (A much better fork of PCem). I not only have a "386", but a "486", Tandy 1000, 8086, a 286, ..well, just create whatever true period-correct specifications that you want. It can emulate many retro hardwares and you can actually use the original drivers and BIOS files for these. Each with their period-specific sound cards - Adlib, Sound Blaster Pro, 16, AWE32, etc.

I also run Windows 3.x in Dosbox.

All, complete with true MT-32 Emulation and a Roland SC-55 like soundfont.

And all this in my laptop which also doubles up as my main working laptop.

Thanks for the reference to 86Box. I’ve been running DOSBox for retro gaming and configured it for Tandy 1000 emulation, as I liked the classic 3-voice TI sound chip audio better than Adlib emulation in certain titles (probably just nostalgia). How does 86Box compare? Does it have all those profiles setup already, or did you have to edit config files?

 

[amghwk]

Thanks for the reference to 86Box. I’ve been running DOSBox for retro gaming and configured it for Tandy 1000 emulation, as I liked the classic 3-voice TI sound chip audio better than Adlib emulation in certain titles (probably just nostalgia). How does 86Box compare? Does it have all those profiles setup already, or did you have to edit config files?

You have to setup the configuration by yourself. Usually I refer to old magazines and Wikipedia and other classic tech websites to look for the original configurations the PCs came with.

86Box has an intuitive configuration window which makes it easy to "install" the hardware. Also make sure to get the complete latest BIOS & rom files from the GitHub page for use with the 86Box.

 

[LetTheWookieWin]

You have to setup the configuration by yourself. Usually I refer to old magazines and Wikipedia and other classic tech websites to look for the original configurations the PCs came with.

86Box has an intuitive configuration window which makes it easy to "install" the hardware. Also make sure to get the complete latest BIOS & rom files from the GitHub page for use with the 86Box.

Thanks for the tips, I will have to check it out!