A few weeks with the Pocket 386, an early-'90s-style, half-busted retro PC

The Pocket 386 is a retro laptop inspired by early 1990s technology, similar to the Book 8088 but featuring an Intel 80386 processor. This processor allows for 32-bit operation and improved memory management, making it more compatible with a wider range of software compared to its predecessor. The Pocket 386 can run many applications that were designed for the original IBM PC while offering enhanced speed and compatibility with early versions of Windows. However, despite its appealing features, the device suffers from several implementation issues that hinder its usability. Users may find that the novelty of the Pocket 386 wears off due to its unreliability and frustrating performance, which can be seen as dealbreakers for those seeking a functional vintage computing experience. The 80386SX variant used in the Pocket 386 is a cost-effective version of the 80386, limiting its performance due to a 16-bit external bus and a maximum RAM capacity of 16MB. The device is manufactured by Ali and utilizes a chipset designed for embedded systems rather than consumer PCs, which further complicates its performance. Overall, while the Pocket 386 offers a nostalgic experience for retro computing enthusiasts, its shortcomings may detract from its overall appeal as a reliable vintage system.