An LGR review of the Book 8088 and Hand 386, newly-made retro computers on Aliexpress! No emulation here, these are DOS PCs running an 8088 and 386SX processor, using legacy chips on custom PCBs melded with open source projects, off-the-shelf components, and injection molded enclosures. They sure are neat! But lots of compromises, drawbacks, and odd design decisions.
● LGR links:
● Here’s where I bought the machines in May 2023:
Book8088 –
Hand386 –
● All background music licensed from:
00:00 These weird AliExpress retro PCs
00:58 What are these
02:07 Price and what they come with
03:34 The Book8088
08:45 Lack of I/O, ISA bus extender
10:31 The Hand386
12:37 D&MP 386 and what it can do
14:33 In summary: neat but compromised
#LGR #retro #computer #vintage #technology #aliexpress
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I swear the Chinese are such creative and imaginative people, the fact that a random dude in China who is a fan of old technology decided to just out of the blue make a relicate computer for the masses and has succeeded brings me joy and hope for the future. I just hope relations between my country and China improve at least soon
If Linux is booting on that compact 386?
But does it run minix?
I have one. I bought it as a distraction free writing computer. It didn't work. I'm still too distracted.
There are lots of similr machines on Ali Express these days.
After 15 minutes: Both is trash.
My first thought – wow, this is so cool, a handheld device that can run Win95 and has full keyboard and can connect to external monitor and stuff.
My second thought – wait, I already have something like that in my pocket, and it's almost as powerful as my laptop.
I don't buy from Aliexpress due to all the identity theft from them.
the size of hand 386 is perfect.
Speaking of mashing those two together… that's exactly what they did with the Pocket 386 that came out a few months ago. Looks like they took your criticisms to heart. Looks interesting enough to buy, but I'd love to hear your take on it too.
I got the GMKTec Nucbox G5.
Great and tiny Windows 11 PC!
Waiting for the Pentium MMX version
Does is run doom?
You would be better of with a thin client "pc" for 25$ or so and a cheap monitor if you want a dedicated "old" pc. There are plenty of them on the used market and they cost so little you could have 1 for each game if you wanted to. Some "fat" versions even have a pci slot you could use a angled riser and a graphics card in. My slowest is 800 MHz and works with DOS/win98/95 and my "new" ones are dual core 1.6 GHz win 7 embedded, capable of win 10, all be it a bit slowly on that one but usable for web surfing.
Damn, I saw the Book8088 available on Amazon before, but now it’s out of stock.
And here we are in 2024 and both of these are still available on AliExpress. There's also a Pocket 386 running either Windows 3.11 or Windows 95 that looks very similar to the Book8088. It has a far superior screen compared to the Book8088 and is VGA, not CGA. It also has several I/O ports available. The only thing I wish it had was Sound Blaster audio. I just ordered one of the Pocket 386 jobbies in a clear case for under $200. Why? Because I still have a ton of DOS games and applications that would be fun to relive my youth.
Can someone help me find the name of the game that's running in the thumbnail, I used to play it as a kid and I couldn't find its name anywhere
the pc to see in the main menu > options in the game operation flashpoint is the Texas Instruments TravelMate 4000E .. a utterly beautiful device .. and retro today
Heh, it's funny when you mentioned the better version of this would be the 386 in the 8080's form factor, cause I just got a Pocket 386 that's basically that. Though I suspect this is a ripoff of both projects, especially since the plastic molds on the back look like they should let you get access to the OPL3 card and the processor, but instead only let you access half of the processor socket and the serial card. Other than that, it's pretty neat at playing my old GOG library on era appropriate hardware.
Still came with WIndows 95, which honestly I thought was a really strange choice, even in the palmtop form factor, as it's not running well, and I genuinely would've expected DOS 6.22 + Windows 3.1. No idea what went through the designer or the bootlegger's mind here. Also weirdly enough, I thought it'd be fun as a palmtop, but it turns out that in fact my old LX200 is STILL better for taking notes and using it as a DOS machine, lol – especially since THAT thing runs off 2 AA batteries for a couple weeks.
I would love a 386/486 in a modern laptop form factor with a 4:3 screen and retro quality keyboard. Maybe even 16MB RAM and some ports. If it can dual boot with PC98, even better. I would buy that. The world needs a retro desktop replacement.
These are available to buy again, I got a 386 version in the larger netbook style case for $220. Looks like he added some new improvements and they include serial / parallel ports.
I'm sorry, but every pc I buy/build needs to be able to play Duke 3D. These are neat, but lack the power.