L'Olivetti M15 è un personal computer portatile con processore 80C88. E' stato prodotto, nel 1987, dall'azienda italiana Olivetti. E' un computer portatile dotato di display LCD monocromatico e batteria NiCd interna. Il sistema operativo è MSDOS. Relativamente ai supporti di archiviazione dei dati, l'Olivetti M15 è dotato di due lettori di floppy disk interni, da 3.5", 720KB.
Il suo fratello maggiore, l'Olivetti M15 Plus, può essere dotato di un hard disk da 20MB, al posto di uno dei due lettori di floppy, e il display LCD ha la retroilluminazione, che l'M15 non ha.
The keyboard is removable: it can be used both in its housing, and externally to it.
E' capitata l'occasione di acquistare questo computer portatile sul gruppo Facebook "Retro Computer, Audio and Vintage Electronics". Un membro del gruppo vendeva questo computer a poco prezzo, perché presenta qualche piccolo difetto al monitor LCD.
Oltre al computer, ho acquistato anche l'alimentatore originale Olivetti, i cavi e la borsa originale per il trasporto del computer.
Startup screen
The computer boots with Resident Diagnostics: These are ROM-resident diagnostic programs that verify that the computer is working properly. Diagnostic programs test the operation of: CPU (80C88), ROM, Timer, Interrupt, DMA, LCD controller, video RAM and system RAM.
After the initial self-test, the computer searches for a startup disk. If not present, it prompts you to insert it into the A: drive and press a button.
The computer then starts with the Microsoft MS-DOS operating system version 3.20.
Technical characteristics of the Olivetti M15
CPU: 80C88, 16-bit, 4.77 MHz
ROM: 16 KB
RAM: 256 KB, expandable up to 512 KB, my computer has 512 KB
Graphics: Integrated LCD, monochrome, 16 KB video memory
Text mode: 80 columns x 25 rows or 40 columns x 25 rows
Graphics mode: 640 x 200 pixels or 320 x 200 pixels
Audio: Built-in system speaker
Keyboard: Detachable, QWERTY 78 keys, includes function keys and numeric keypad
Battery: NiCd, 4.8V, 4400mAh, allows computer use for 6-8 hours
Software supplied: Microsoft MS-DOS version 3.20
Supporti di archiviazione: n. 2 floppy disk drive interni, 3.5", 720 KB
Expansion ports:
- Centronics
- External Floppy Disk Drive, Optional, 5.25
- Serial (RS 232C)
- Common Bus
Dimensions and weight: 385 x 276 x 72 mm, 5.7 Kg
Emulation
Il computer portatile si avvia con sistema operativo Microsoft MS-DOS. E' possibile emulare l'ambiente MS-DOS con DOSBox (sebbene DOSBox sia un emulatore per sistemi x86).
Power supply
The Olivetti laptop personal power supply is external, 48VA. It accepts mains voltages from 100 V to 240 V alternating, 50-60 Hz. It has a 5V. direct current output, to power the laptop, and a second output to charge the computer battery. The computer draws 20 W maximum.
Papers
1. Olivetti M15, technical specifications
2. Olivetti M15, installation and operations guide
Collection entry date: 18/11/2022
Hello. Thanks for the interesting article.
Recently, I also received such a computer.
I want to take it apart to clean and check the plastic hinges. Could you tell me how to remove the display, is it possible to disassemble it?
Thanks for the answer.
Hello. Thank you. Unfortunately, I have not disassembled the LCD yet, so I have no experience on how to do it.
Hello,
I bought a brand new M15 in 1989 and still have it with boot disks and manuals, but the original computer bag was stolen - is it possible to buy a new one?
Hello! I'm not a seller. I just show my collection in this blog. I think it is difficult to find the bag. I think you should keep eBay and Vinted monitored for some time, in order to see if somebody is selling it.