Modernizing the Compaq Portable III from 1987
562In this [belated] #DOScember 2023 video we take a look at one of my favorite retro computers, the Compaq Portable III! This is a lengthy overview so I hope you enjoy!
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🔨 Links to useful things I found for this project:
• Medley DOS Menu System: https://reimagery.com/fsfd/menu.htm#smallmenus
• Old Silicon restoration blog: https://www.oldsilicon.com/compaq-portable-iii
• Battery pack replacement project: https://github.com/skiselev/compaq-portable-iii-battery
• jhhoward's MicroWeb for 8088+ DOS Computers: https://github.com/jhhoward/MicroWeb
• jhhoward's CGA mod for Wolfenstein 3D: https://github.com/jhhoward/WolfensteinCGA
• Silvertron's Bits and Bytes video on restoring the keyboard cable: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na_Oe3Pn_G4
• retrospace Compaq Portable 386 Software Showcase: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a46RWTYHONU
⏱ Timestamps:
0:00 Introduction
3:22 A little history
7:02 Compaq Portable III Overview
13:05 Obligatory Music Montage
14:16 Off to a great start (Plasma Problems)
16:21 Repairs, restoration, and modifications
24:10 Boot menu
26:27 Operating Systems (Windows/286)
28:11 Operating Systems (GOES Ensemble 2.0)
33:18 Speaker demo
36:03 Sound Blaster games
42:40 Operating Systems (Windows 3.1)
47:27 Other "Quirks and Features" of the CP3
49:48 Using an external display
52:45 DOS web browsing
56:11 Outtro
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Intro Animation By Ken Gruca Jr — Inquire at kjgruca@gmail.com