NEC Versa 4000C vintage - Laptop (1)

NEC Versa 4000C Vintage Pentium Laptop with Accessories (1995)

Offered here is the NEC Versa 4000C, a collectable multimedia notebook introduced in 1995 during the launch period of Microsoft Windows 95. Equipped with an Intel Pentium processor and an active-matrix colour display, the Versa 4000C represented advanced portable-computer technology for its time.

The Versa 4000 series was among NEC’s first notebook ranges to support an interchangeable internal CD-ROM drive. Its innovative VersaBay II could accommodate different modules, including a floppy drive, CD-ROM drive, second hard disk or an additional battery. Combined with integrated audio, PCMCIA expansion and an extensive selection of connections, this made the 4000C a capable portable workstation and multimedia computer.

With an original advertised price of approximately US$3,999, the Versa 4000C was positioned as a premium professional notebook. A configuration with 16 MB of RAM originally cost approximately US$4,474.

Features & Original Specifications:
- Manufacturer: NEC Corporation
- Model: Versa 4000C
- Type: Vintage multimedia notebook computer
- Introduction year: 1995
- Processor: Intel Pentium 75 MHz
- Standard memory: 8 MB RAM
- Maximum supported memory: Approximately 40 MB
- Original hard disk: Typically 540 MB IDE
- Display: 10.1-inch active-matrix TFT colour LCD
- Native resolution: 640 × 480 pixels
- Graphics controller: Chips & Technologies 65545
- Video memory: 1 MB
- Audio chipset: ESS AudioDrive ES688
- Integrated stereo speakers and microphone
- Pointing device: NEC VersaGlide touchpad
- Keyboard: PS/2-compatible notebook keyboard
- Modular drive bay: NEC VersaBay II
- Supported modules: Floppy drive, CD-ROM drive, second hard drive or second battery
- Floppy-disk support: 3.5-inch, 1.44 MB
- Expansion: Two Type II PCMCIA slots or one Type III slot
- Connections: Serial, parallel, VGA monitor output and PS/2
- Audio connections: Microphone, line input, line output and headphones
- Infrared communication ports


Specifications could vary slightly according to the original regional configuration and any upgrades performed during the computer’s lifetime.

Accessories and Battery:
The laptop is supplied with its accompanying accessories as shown in the photographs. The removable main battery is the only missing item and is not included in this sale. The computer can be operated from mains electricity using the supplied AC power adapter.

Because an original battery is not supplied, portable battery-powered operation is not currently possible. A compatible replacement or professionally rebuilt battery pack would be required for use away from mains power.

Condition:
This NEC Versa 4000C is presented as a vintage computer and may show signs of use and ageing consistent with a machine from 1995. Please inspect the photographs carefully for its exact cosmetic condition, installed drives, software and included accessories.

Vintage laptops contain ageing mechanical and electronic components. Preventive inspection of the internal backup battery, hard disk, floppy drive and CD-ROM mechanism is recommended before intensive long-term use. The plastic housing, hinges and display should also be handled carefully due to their age.
Collectable & Practical Value:

The NEC Versa 4000C represents an important period when portable computers were developing from basic business machines into complete multimedia systems. Its Pentium processor, TFT colour screen, integrated sound, modular VersaBay and extensive connectivity made it a highly capable notebook in the mid-1990s.
Complete examples with their original accessories are becoming increasingly difficult to find. This machine is an appealing acquisition for vintage-computer enthusiasts, collectors, electronic museums and anyone interested in restoring or experiencing authentic DOS and early Windows computing hardware.

Tested and proudly presented by SpaceTime Engineering. Watch it in action on our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@spacetimeengineering

Shipping:
The laptop and accessories will be individually protected and professionally packaged for safe international delivery. Worldwide tracked and insured shipping according to Catawiki guidelines. The stated weight is approximate and includes the packaging.

Seller’s Story
We are a highly specialised company based in the Netherlands, offering high-quality audio, video and electronic equipment throughout Europe and worldwide, generally through Catawiki.