Zenith Z-Note MX

The Z-Note MX is a Pentium-based laptop that was released in 1995 by Zenith Data Systems. The MX was released alongside the Z-Note GT. The GT was the top of the line system, with the MX being a more value-oriented notebook. The MX was a rebadged Compal TS30CP5 with a case modified to fit Zenith's design language.

The Z-Note MX does not have internal CD-ROM support. It does however have a modular bay that could fit either a floppy drive, a second battery, or an internal AC Adapter.

Specifications

Spec	Details
CPU	CPU Type: Socket 5 Intel Pentium @75 or 100MHz
Chipset	Unknown
RAM	Type: Proprietary Standard: 8MB Maximum: 40MB
Storage	2.5" IDE Requires Adapter: Sort of, has a cable inside Standard: 420, 540, 777, or 810MB
Display Options	- 10.4" Passive Matrix Color @640x480 - 10.4" Passive Matrix Color @800x600 - 10.4" Active Matrix Color @800x600
Graphics Chipset	Chips & Technologies 65545 VRAM: Unknown
Audio	ESS AudioDrive 1688 - Stereo Speakers - Microphone
Main Battery	NiMH
CMOS Battery	3-cell Varta NiCad (Soldered)
Power Supply	Proprietary 3-pin - AC Adapter P/N TSA-5
Media Drives	Modular Bay supporting the following: - 3.5" 1.44MB Floppy Drive - 2nd Battery - Internal AC Adapter
PC Cards	2x PCMCIA Slots
Networking	None
Other I/O	- 1x Parallel - 1x Serial - 1x VGA Out - 1x PS/2 - 1x Dock Connector - 1x Line Out - 1x Mic In
BIOS	Phoenix
Pointing Device	Trackpad

Resources

Link	Details
	Zenith Z-Note MX BIOS Updates

Common Faults & Maintenance

The soldered NiCad CMOS battery is highly prone to leaking and must be removed from any working unit to prevent damage. This battery leaking is the most likely cause of a dead MX.
The plastics are extremely brittle and the hinge mounts at both the base and display must be reinforced with plastics epoxy. Problem is, it's impossible to get to these mounts without breaking many plastic clips. That's just the trade-off that you have to make with one of these.