Re: FS: IBM Workpad Z50 / memory expansion re-production run possibilities

Nick, Ricardo,

No need to start from scratch unless you just want a challenge.

GoldenRam sells new z50 compatible modules for $63.80.  Kind of dear, but
they are the correct pieces.
I bought one last year, and it worked great.

http://www.goldenram.com/newupro/layout.asp?systemid=5100&mfg=IBM%2DPORTABLES&productline=WORKPAD


No interest, etc.

Taru



On 1/21/07, nick thompson <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Ricardo,
> Wow. It sure sounds like you have a decent idea here. I don't think we
> will find a defective 32 mb module, but however, I suggest we wait until
> there is a z50 w/ 48 mb ram for sale on ebay, and whomever is in on the
> "project" splits the cost, and we accept the fact that we are destroying
> a rare and hard to get memory module so that more can be made. At that
> point we remove the 32 mb module, and then we could re-ebay the z50 w/
> 16 I suppose, as money back toward the project. At that point, disection
> so that reproduction possiblities like you suggested can be
> investigated. I would be in on the project (meaning help pay some money
> and would order a few modules in the end) if it is actually a
> possibility. It would be great to get more z50s upgraded to 48 mb to
> make more people interested in them, as a z50 w/ 16 sure isn't as nice
> as a z50 w/ 48 mb. Big difference. : )
>
> Nick
>
> "All unix, all the time."
>
> http://npt.ath.cx
>
>
>
>
> Ricardo L. A. Banffy wrote:
> > Hi Nick,
> >
> > The cost-per-megabyte would be hideous, but that's not the point.
> > There are notebooks that are smaller and far more functional than the
> > z50. It's a hobby. It's about doing something that's next to
> > impossible (and impractical) and have fun in the process.
> >
> > I considered using http://www.pad2pad.com/ to get the boards
> > manufactured, buying the memories and doing the assembly myself (or
> > hiring someone to do it). Soldering SMD components manually is not
> > impossible. I am not sure if the required memories are still available
> > tough.
> >
> > I also wondered if I could use it to make an IDE interface for my
> > Amiga 500s, but that's another story.
> >
> > I never had the time for any of them. If someone has a defective
> > memory expansion that could be reverse engineered, there would be some
> > hope. AFAIK, the schematics for the board are not available anywhere.
> >
> > nick thompson wrote:
> >> Speaking of which, what ever came of the talk of trying to see what a
> >> minimum run of them would be, cost wise? I wonder. I bet it would be
> >> too expensive to be possible.
> >
> >
>
>
>