A few new DOS PCs are coming out

An interesting trend over the past two years has been the rise of modern retro computer PCs, recreations of classic PC hardware from the past that use modern components in addition to the venerable processors. These machines are usually very well specified for a 1980s PC and provide a credible way to run your DOS or early Windows software on something close to the original. [CNX Software] has news of some new ones from the same manufacturer in China, one with a 386sx and the other claim that it can accommodate an 8088 or an 8086.

Both machines use the same clear plastic case, screen and keyboard, and there are plenty of photos to examine the motherboard. There are even downloadable design files, which is an interesting development. They come with a removable but custom-looking VGA card containing a Tseng Labs ET4000, a CF card interface, a USB port that claims to support disk drives, a sound card, the usual array of ports, and an ISA expansion for which a dock is sold separately. The battery appears to be some kind of LiPo pouch cell.

If you want one, they can be found through the usual channels for a not-outrageous price compared to similar machines. We can see the appeal, although we might stick with an emulator for now. If you’d like to check out alternatives we’ve reported in the past on comparable 8088 and 386sx computers.