Zenith Z-Note 386 Series
The Z-Note 325L, 325Lp, and 325Lc are 386-based business laptops that were released in 1992 by Zenith Data Systems.
The Z-Note 386s have built-in Ethernet, a very unique feature that was uncommon in 1992. They specifically use the AAUI connector (yes, Apple AUI), meaning an adapter is needed to hook them up to a modern network.
The Z-Note 386s lack any built-in pointing device, instead shipping with a Logitch clip-on trackball.
These laptops have great build quality to this day. The one issue you do need to tend to on any one of them is a full recap. There are surface mount electrolytic caps in the base on all laptops and on the screen of the 325Lc model at least.
While the FCC ID leads back to Zenith, I'm fairly certain that this system was built for Zenith by Sanyo. The power supply is a Sanyo, the CMOS battery is a Sanyo, the motherboard is full of Sanyo chips, and the laptop was made in Japan.
The 325L and 325Lc were modified and re-sold by IBM as the ThinkPad 300 and 300C respectively.
Specifications
| Spec | Z-Note 325L | Z-Note 325Lp | Z-Note 325Lc |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | CPU Type: Soldered QFP Intel 386SL @25MHz | ||
| Chipset | Unknown | ||
| RAM | Type: Proprietary Standard: 4MB Maximum: Unknown | ||
| Storage | 2.5" IDE Requires Adapter: Sort of, has a cable inside Standard: 85MB | 2.5" IDE Requires Adapter: Sort of, has a cable inside Standard: 120MB | |
| Display Options | 9.5" Passive Matrix Grayscale @640x480 | 9.5" Passive Matrix Color @640x480 | 8.4" Active Matrix Color @640x480 (Sharp LQ9D01 Series) |
| Graphics Chipset | Cirrus Logic GD6410 VRAM: 512KB | ||
| Audio | PC Speaker | ||
| Main Battery | NiMH | ||
| CMOS Battery | Sanyo NiCad flat-pack (CADNICA 4KF-B400) (4.8V 400mAH) | ||
| Power Supply | Proprietary DIN connector - Sanyo 232-423 | ||
| Media Drives | 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy Drive | ||
| PC Cards | None | ||
| Networking | - Modem (Optional) - Ethernet (AAUI) | ||
| Other I/O | - 1x Parallel - 1x Serial - 1x VGA Out - 1x PS/2 - 1x Dock Connector | ||
| BIOS | Zenith | ||
| Pointing Device | None | ||
Resources
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
 |
Zenith Z-Direct Product Catalog (Spring 1993) |