DOS Palmtop: Megamini M323 Details and specs

Megamini M323

About this machine:

Finally another English keyboard variant of the Tidalwave PS-1000. I couldn't find out anything about the company "Megamini" or this model. Not sure how much sense "M323" makes, seems to be a rather random model name. No mentionings anywhere, no ads, nothing. Maybe kinda "garage import" with a nice branding? Due to the English keyboard and software I guess this one would have made sense on the U.S. market.

Specs:

CPU: NEC V30 @ 7.15 MHz
Graphics: Monochrome CGA, 80 x 25 character text mode, CGA 2 color monochrome graphics mode
Display: 640 x 200 monochrome Supertwist LCD , 4 grey scales, 7.2 inch
Memory (RAM): 1 MB
ROM (Software): 1.5 MB
I/O ports: RS232 Serial (proprietary cable optional accessory), PCMCIA 1.0 Type I slot, Parallel port (proprietary cable optional accessory)
Sound: PC Speaker - Piezo
Operating System: MS-DOS 5.0
Software: MS Works 2.0, RacePen PIM (File manager, scheduler, phone book, etc), Microsoft QBasic
Size: Length 11.5 cm, Width 24.5 cm, Height 2.5 cm (4.5 inches x 9.7 inches x 1 inch)
Powered by: 2 AA batteries - rechargable or non-rechargable or AC adaptor (optional accessory), CR2032 Lithium button cell as memory backup
Weight: 590 gram (21 ounces) including 2 standard AA and CR2032 batteries
Special features: None
Released: 1992
Originally retailed for:: around 1 million italian lira (about 500 USD)
Clone of: Tidalwave PS-1000
Similar models: Zeos Pocket PC, Highscreen Handy Organizer and all other clones

Pros:
- Fully CGA compliant, so most CGA based DOS appz and games work
- Excellent keyboard

Cons:
- PCMCIA Type I won't let you access any flash cards
- Not really the smallest Palmtop ever
- Power management is rather average
- No way to boot a different OS and no way to bypass loading the drivers for cards and keyboard

Collector Value:
10 of 10

Usage Value:
7 of 10

Verdict:
A rather generic Tidalwave clone with a US keyboard layout and English UI.

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