The MSXBOOK: Reviving MSX in a Modern Notebook
Introduction to the MSXBOOK
A Chinese company called 8086YES! has introduced an intriguing device named MSXBOOK, which they are selling for $215 on the Tindle web site. The MSXBOOK is a portable laptop that brings back the spirit of the Japanese home computer standard.
Features and Specifications
- 9.7-inch LCD Screen: With a resolution of 1024x768.
- Backlit Mechanical Keyboard
- Speakers and Headphone Jack: A pair of built-in amplified stereo speakers and a 3.5mm audio output jack.
- Battery: Equipped with a 4000mAh lithium battery that promises up to 4 hours of usage.
- Hardware Compatibility: MSX2-compatible and retro computing enthusiasts will appreciate the support for KDL firmware.
Additionally, it features an external cartridge slot, DB9 joystick/gamepad slots, USB ports, and a 4GB SD card storage option.
Turbo Mode Support (Optional)
The “Turbo” speed settings support speeds up to 5.37 MHz or 8.06 MHz.
Given its price point, features, and compatibility options, is the MSXBOOK worth the $215 investment?
I think the association came from emulation. IIRC, you can sometimes play Colecovision ROMS with the MSX emulator in RetroArch, although it’s been a while since I dealt with this.
It is common to use the
bluemsxcore for ColecoVision emulation. As well as MSX, that core can also emulate the Sega SG-1000.Having said that, we use the
fmsxcore for MSX/2 emulation, andgearsystemfor the SG-1000.