Amstrad ALT-386SX

Released in 1990, the Amstrad ALT-386SX placed a 16 MHz Intel 80386SX processor in the same distinctive portable chassis as the ALT-286. It combined a backlit 640 × 480 VGA LCD, full keyboard, expandable memory, a 3.5-inch floppy drive and substantially larger hard-disk options.

The 386SX processor made the machine better suited to Windows and advanced DOS software, while mains and optional battery operation allowed it to travel between offices. Its approximately 7kg weight still placed it firmly in the transportable rather than lightweight-laptop category.

Notable Features

• 16 MHz Intel 80386SX processor
• Backlit 640 × 480 VGA LCD
• Internal 3.5-inch floppy drive and larger hard-disk options
• Full-size keyboard with desktop-style connectivity
• Optional removable rechargeable battery

Historical Significance

• Higher-performance companion to the ALT-286
• Brought 386 software and Windows capability to Amstrad’s portable range
• Shared much of its chassis and service design with the ALT-286

Collectors Notes

• Original rechargeable battery packs are normally exhausted
• Check the offset display hinge, LCD backlight and contrast controls
• Ageing hard disks and power supplies may need specialist attention
• Complete examples with adapter, battery and manuals are uncommon

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Amstrad ALT-386SX
Manufacturer	Amstrad
Launched	Monday, January 1, 1990
Discontinued	Early 1990s
Country	United Kingdom
CPU	Intel 80386SX
Units Sold
Power	Mains operation or optional removable rechargeable battery
Ports	Centronics parallel, two serial ports and mouse support
Expansion	Internal ISA expansion and external VGA connection
Storage	3.5-inch floppy drive with 80MB or 170MB hard-disk configurations
Sound	Internal PC speaker
Operating System	MS-DOS; suitable for early Microsoft Windows
RAM	Typically 1MB or 2MB, expandable
Graphics	Cirrus Logic VGA with external-monitor output
Display	640 × 480 backlit monochrome VGA LCD
CPU Speed	16 MHz