Overview

Libretto - From the Italian: 'small book'.

The Toshiba Libretto is a PC-compatible mini-notebook about the size of a VHS video cassette case and weighs about 1.85-2.09 pounds (850/950g). The first model, the Libretto 20, was released to the public on 17 April 1996.

See real-size images of the Libretto 50 ( Japanese model, US model, German model); Libretto 70 (Japanese model) & Libretto 100 (Japanese model, US model), 60kb each.

Libretto Maintenance Manual for L50/70/100 models.

Parts lists and exploded view images for: L50, L70, L100, L110, L50/70 port replicator, and L100/110 port replicator.

The Libretto has been seen in these shows.
 

If you're lucky enough to be near a Japanese video rental store, or receive TV broadcasts of the TBS drama "Who Do You Think You Are?" (Nanisama!), you can see the Libretto 1000 superslim series in action! The gal, Izumi, carries one to collect data for a food sampling session with kids in class in episode 8.

7 Days, broadcast on UPN Channel 13 in Los Angeles, shows a Libretto in use by the scientist in wheelchair.

Dark Angel, a TV action show by James Cameron, has shown the Libretto 100/110 in use by a person in wheelchair in several episodes.

A Libretto has been spotted in the TV show, Earth - The Final Conflict, on a courtroom bench. Another Libretto 70 was used by a resistance scientist fighting to hack into the interdimensional portal control system in the fight against the Talons.

A Libretto 50/70 was frequently used by Angela Bennett in the TV series, The Net.

In Brazil, the Libretto 50/70 appeared often on the new program, Jornal Hoje, on TV Globo.

The Libretto has made many appearances on the BBC programme (U.K. TV) "Bugs", a high-tech TV show covering many gadgets such as the Libretto. They even kept up to date with the latest Libretto release as the show went through successive seasons.

A Libretto was sighted on the TV series, Total Recal 2070.

(An interesting Libretto sighting not on TV) At the Millennium Dome in London, which opened 1/1/2000, at the entry gates, each operator has a Libretto 100CT (running NT), connected to a central processor, to issue tickets, passes, etc. There are about 50 gates, so 50 Librettos are getting looked at by about 12,000 people each day!

Links

Mailing lists, chat, and webrings

• Libretto Mailing List - One of the world's largest mailing lists for users of the Toshiba Libretto. Ask questions and receive answers from the hundreds of Libretto enthusiasts by email.
  (Sign up by sending an email with "cmd:subscribe" in the Subject line to "libretto@basiclink.com". Unsubscribe by sending a message with "cmd:unsubscribe" in the Subject line.)

Libertto mailing list archives - Search prior postings to the Libretto Mailing List going back to 1997. Alternative locations not going as far back include www.mail-archive.com (searchable).
(Want to keep your Libretto email seperate from your private account? Open a free email account with any free email provider such as Yahoo! Mail.)
• Compuserve Toshiba Portables forum - Web-based forum where you can post and receive answers from fellow Libretto owners and Toshiba support personnel. You must subscribe to Compuserve to post messages and to see certain posts.
• Tomcat's Libretto chat (in Japanese) - Web-based chat board.
• Libretto Webring - A webring for English sites covering the Libretto.

• Related newsgroups: comp.sys.palmtops, comp.sys.handhelds, and comp.sys.laptops.


• Google Groups (was Deja.com) - Archive of past Usenet newsgroup postings (search for Libretto articles).

Note: Visit Toshiba's sites for the latest device drivers, product and accessories information, and support information.
• Toshiba Japan - Libretto World - Old models list - Libretto 20, 30, 50, 60, 70, 100, SS 1000, SS 1010; Libretto ff 1050; Libretto ff 1050; Libretto ff 1050; Libretto L1; Libretto L2; Libretto L3; Libretto L3 Adidas Edition.
• Toshiba Digital Media Engineering Corp. - Linux Pre-installed on Toshiba L3 for sale, as well as self-installation of Linux on Libretto help and information.
• Toshiba USA - Portables - Support Section has all the downloadable drivers and manuals for the US models of the Libretto 50, 70, 100, and 1100.
• Toshiba Europe - Libretto 50, 70, 100, 110.
• Toshiba France - Libretto 50, 70, 100, 110 drivers/info.

• Brief version of the printed article, "Libretto" Mini-Note Personal Computer from Toshiba Review 1995 Vol.51, No.6 (in Japanese).
• Toshiba Japanpress release of Libretto 20, April 17, 1996.
• Toshiba Japanpress release of Libretto 30, Nov 5, 1996.
• Toshiba Japan press release of Libretto 50, Jan 7, 1996 - in Japanese or in English
• Toshiba Japanpress release of Libretto 50 to worldwide market, Jun 3, 1997.
• Toshiba Japanpress release of Libretto 60, June 24, 1997. (in Japanese)
• Toshiba Japanpress release of Libretto 70, October 29, 1997. (in Japanese)
• Toshiba Japanpress release of Libretto 100, March 5, 1998. (in Japanese)
• Toshiba Japan press release of Libretto SS 1000, June 30, 1998 - in Japanese or in English
• Toshiba Japan press release of Libretto ff 1050 & ff 1100, June 28, 1999
  (on the 10th anniversary of Toshiba's notebook line) - in Japanese or in English
• Toshiba Japan press release of Libretto L1, May 7, 2001
  in Japanese
• Toshiba Japan press release of Libretto L2, August 8, 2001
  in Japanese
• Toshiba Japan press release of Libretto L3, October 24, 2001
  in Japanese
• Toshiba Japan press release of Libretto L3 Adidas Edition, November 30, 2001
  in Japanese
• Toshiba Japan press release of Libretto L5, April 24, 2002
  in Japanese
• Toshiba Japan press release of Libretto U100, April 20, 2005
  in Japanese
• Toshbia Europe - press release of Libretto 50, June 2, 1997.
• Toshiba Europe - press release of Libretto 70, November 24, 1997.
• Toshiba Europe - (removed) press release of Libretto 100, Feburary 3, 1998.
• Toshiba Europe - press release of Libretto 110, November 3, 1998.

• Toshiba US - Various information and support items for Toshiba dealers and partners.

Note: Many of these sites use Japanese so you will need a Japanese-capable web browser to read the text. Easiest way is to install the Japanese Language Pack for IE 3/4/5. (Or, with Netscape, you'll need to add a registry key as well after installing the MS Language Pack.) See How to view Chinese, Japanese, etc. under Netscape. You can also view Japanese text under Win95 using Japanese text enablers such as NJWin, Twinbridge, etc. (see T-Zone & AsiaSoft in Shop)

Frequently updated sites

• We Are "Libretters" (in Japanese) - One of the longtime, big sites. Links, Chat, Info.
• Large archive of 20 years of Niftyserve's Toshiba/Libretto User's Forum and FAQ list postings - Forum was closed 2007/03/31. (in Japanese)


Libretto sites

• Phil's Libretto Site - German site with overview of the Librettos, software and hardware tips and links, and various, useful information on using the Libretto.
• nurikabeHP - Japanese site with lots of M3 information, a small gallery, and chat board.
• Sanpei's Japanese Libretto website with information on modifications and upgrades as well as photos.
• Libretto M3 overclocking and other modifications photos and more in Japanese.
• Libretto M3 information, benchmarking, photos, and more in Japanese.
• Tsukinami Comic's page on the L50 overclocked and disassembled.
• Toshiba User.com - Korean site with small Libretto chat board.
• Libretto M3 Fan - Information, message board, overclocking, etc. (Japanese)
• Toshiba NOTE-PC Extender's Homepage - Got a Toshiba portable that you'd like to overclock? Steps for a dozen models are listed.
• Fast & First Libretto Technical info (in Japanese) - Many pages with technical information on the Libretto, such as speaker output charts, overclocking, pics of Libretto disassembled, etc.
• Xin's Libretto pages - Details on his L50 overclock to 166Mhz, 8 hour home-made battery, and other notes.
• Waysoft's PDA Information Central - Libretto pages - Outdated. Maintainer has scaled back scope to cover PDAs only. Site still has some Libretto information.
• Natrium's @ Nifty Edition - Some photos of the L20 & L50 docking station.
• ASAIO Journal - Libretto helps blind man to see.

Magazines
 
• If you are near a Japanese bookstore, the following magazines may be of interest to Libretto owners since they cover computer technology in general: ASCII and DOS/V.
• ZDNet - The breadth and depth of coverage of the computer world, along with reviews, analysis, and news, is extensive. One of their better know publications is PC Magazine. A good place to start.
• C|NET - One of the better online sites covering the computer world. While ZDNet comes from a print background, these guys are Internet-only and make use of their heritage to deliver memorable, opinionated articles worth reading.
• PC World - Windows Magazine - Of course, you don't actually believe everyone is totally impartial do you? Visit these other magazines for their take on the latest computer goods.
• Byte Magazine - One of the original magazines from the early days of computing. Strong technical articles and back issues collection online.
• Japan Inc. - Find out what's going on in the computer world in Japan through this English publication.
• PC Watch Japan - This site covers the latest releases in computing products in Japan.
• Microtimes - The best, free monthly publication distributed in California. You'll find nowhere else so many local vendor advertisements for desktop PCs at great prices. You can easily save yourself 50% vs. a brand-name computer bought through mail-order or at a large chain store. Do yourself a favor and save some cash.


Computer related
 

• Do you want to learn more about the various technologies and features of the Libretto? Visit Toshiba Europe's Technology Resource page for background articles on battery technology, LCD screens, and PCMCIA card information.
• Keep track of all the latest goodies rolling out in Japan at Impress Watch Web. (in Japanese)


Searching the Internet

Can't seem to find what you're looking for? The following are among the best tools around for searching the Internet. Start with Yahoo! and branch off from there.
 

• Yahoo! and Google - Two of the top search engines out there, and if you can't find easily using these two search engines, you'll likely have to do some serious searching elsewhere!
• Ask and Windows Live are all alternative search engines. But with these, you'll either find what you're looking for, or you won't.
• MetaCrawler - Tired of searching one search engine after another for that very hard to find site? Put your query in and it will ask them in parallel, then combine the answers from multiple search engines into one reply.
• Winfiles.com - A big site devoted solely to Windows 95 freeware/shareware programs and well-organized.
• Tucows, Winsite
• Download.com - Need programs for the Internet - servers, email programs, dialers, winsock utilities, ftp, telnet, etc.? This site has most of them organized in easy-to-browse categories for easy downloading.
• FTP Search Engines - Trying to look for that long lost program and just can't seem to find it? Here are good search sites for files.
• Astalavista - Found that program and can't seem to get it to work? Try this site for creative workarounds to common problems.
• Google Groups - The memory of the Usenet newsgroups. Ever notice how newsgroup articles disappear after a period of time? That's the nature of Usenet newsgroups. But if you ever missed a thread and wanted to read it over again, Dejanews has indexed and stored every article posted. Looking for prior Libretto articles? It's there. How to make a chocolate chip cookie? Wax a car? It's all there. Highly recommended.

(for those who don't know, the Usenet newsgroups is a public, global bulletin-board system that allows people to post messages and read replies in various areas of common interest, such as cooking, computers, sports, arts, politics, etc. If you think of the Internet as a big library of information, the Usenet newsgroups is the answer desk for your questions.)

With the older Toshiba Librettos, the best places to find Librettos today are on Ebay, the world's largest online auction site. If you are visiting or live in Japan, there are many computer shops in the Akihabara area of Tokyo and elsewhere in Japan where numerous used and new Liberttos sell for a good price. In the USA, try Dynamism to have them import the latest models for you.

Currency Converters

Latest currency exchange rates from Yahoo!

• Shopper - Search engine for the best prices on the Libretto and accessories.
• Check out Sakharov's Homepage for the latest pricing of computer parts in Akihabara (see 2.5 HD listing).

• Dynamism - Located in the US. International orders for the Libretto, IBM PC 110, and others items. Very good support and sales service. Recommended.
• Japan Palmtop Direct - Headquartered in Hong Kong, serving the world. Pricey, but reputable.

Has specially modified Librettos (larger HD, overclocked) and other mini-notebook brands. Also available, Libretto hard drives, larger cases to fit HDs taller than 9.5mm, and other Libretto accessories.
• T-Zone Online - a large computer chain headquartered in Japan that imports Japanese laptops, including the latest Librettos, through its online shop.
• AsiaSoft - Carries Japanese, Chinese, and Korean OS/software for your system.
• E.V. Systemes - Headquartered in France.

• Sofmap - Chain stores in Japan. Often has great prices on Japanese Libretto models.

• NewEgg
• Otherwise, search Shopper.com, Pricewatch.com and Dell.com, then check the Fatwallet.com Hot Deals Forum for the lowest online prices.
• NOVUM (Japan) - Extra case bottom to cut up to fit larger (>9.5mm) hard drives.
  Akihabara, Tokyo, Japan - Across from LaOX about a block from train station.
  3-3253-3443 phone, 3-3251-7913 fax

• Toshiba Japan has a (obsolete:http://www5.toshiba.co.jp/gradeup/) Grade-up Service page where you can upgrade the processor of certain older Librettos, buy colored keyboards and system case to replace the current gray, and buy soft shell carrying cases designed for the Librettos.
• Digikey (USA) - Libretto speaker replacements. (800) 344-4539.

• Electrified has some great prices on refurbished portable printers for use with the Libretto. They include the Citizen CN-50, Canon BJC-50/80, and more.

Because the Librettos are fully PC-compatible computers, you can install a variety of operating systems and software. This includes: OS/2, Win 95, Win 3.1/3.11, Win NT, Linux/FreeBSD/Unix.

You can also install Windows 95 US/English (or any other language OS) on a Japanese Libretto (or any other worldwide Libretto model) if you buy a Japanese Libretto, but desire an English OS. Simply format the drive, install the new OS and applications, add the Toshiba device drivers and you'll be all set to go.

Because Windows 95E (English/US version) has problems accessing directories with Japanese filenames, it is (in my opinion) recommended that you not install any English version of Windows or other OS with the Japanese version. Such problems include ScanDisk complaining at most Japanese files found.

Partitioning/multi-boot programs are available and can be used to cleanly seperate and isolate multiple OSs from each other.

You can use a drive images, such as Ghost, Drive Image, Partition Magic, etc., to create a full backup of your Libretto hard drive before you first use it. If anything happens, you have a factory-fresh image to go back to.

• Toshiba Canada - Libretto 50 drivers
• Libretto graphics drivers directly from Chips & Technolgies web site. (obsolete http://www.chips.com/) It's been noted that frequent crashes in Win95 can be fixed by installing the latest drivers on your Libretto. For the L50, 60 & 70 only.
• (Discontinued) Microsoft's free multiOS boot program - To install Win95E, etc. on the same machine.
• Ghost Software - Makers of Ghost, a popular program used to copy and backup partitions. 30-day trial available.
• Partition Magic - One of the best multi-boot/partitioning programs out there. Copies partitions to another partition, even on other hard drives, for backups! Recommended.
• System Commander - One of the the best multi-boot programs out there.
• Information on the old WebBoy for DOS/V - IBM's graphical DOS/V HTML 3.2-complaint web browser.
• Arachne for DOS - the best available DOS-based web browser made today.
• Got questions regarding Windows 95B (OSR 2) installed with your Libretto? The Windows 95 OSR2 FAQ will have the answers.

• Toshiba has released a 32-bit floppy driver for the L100. People have tried this with older L50/70s and have found this driver to work. Visit their web site's driver section for download. (Before you try this, remember to backup your system just in case becuase it is not tested for anything but the L100.)

• Philip Nienhuis's Linux, OS/2 plus 2 X Windows 95 on a Toshiba Libretto 110 CT.
• George Moody's Installing Linux on the Libretto 70.
• Anarchy Software Installing Redhat Linux 6.0 on the Libretto 50CT.
• Linux and the Toshiba Libretto 100CT.
• gmon.com Getting Linux on the Libretto.
• Ian Wilson's RedHat Linux 6 on a Toshiba Libretto 100CT.
• Linux on the Libretto 100CT - Detailed information on running the Linux (UNIX) operating system on the Libretto.
• Hiramoto Kouji's Homepage - Libretto and Linux installation in Japanese.
• PAO: FreeBSD Mobile Computing Package - Running FreeBSD on a Libretto.

Often, even a non-overclocked Libretto will shut down due to overheating if you run it in hot climates. Use of a CPU idling program will help reduce both power drain and temperature. This results in a more stable Libretto and longer battery life. These programs are not required in Windows NT/2000 or Linux because such CPU halting is built-in.

Comparisons and benchmarks of the various CPU idling programs are available at Benchtest.Com and Why Waterfall sucks (and CPUIdle too).

• Amn Refrigerator is a Russian CPU idling program similar to CPUIDLE, Waterfall, and Rain, but requires less than 2KB of memory. Highly Recommended!
• CPUIDLE - This program stops the CPU while the Libretto is waiting for your input. The result is lengthened battery life of up to 30 minutes on the standard battery on the Libretto 50. Easy to use. Side effects may include jerky mouse after resume from suspend, and program sluggishness.
• Intel Power Monitor - This program lets you see the power consumption of the various components in your Libretto.

The major accessories (power adapter, docking units, etc) are available from Toshiba. Most PCMCIA/PCCARD cards can be used successfully, like modem and networking cards.
• Toshiba Accessories - Accessories tested by Toshiba to work with the Libretto. Memory, cases, PCCards, and more.
• (Obsolete: http://www2.toshiba.co.jp/pc/libretto/kakutyo/4.htm) LS-120 (120MB/1.44MB 3.5" external PCMCIA) floppy drive - Details on Toshiba Japan's Libretto Step Up! site (in Japanese).

Bags and carrying cases have been made for the Libretto by other companies, and improvised ones are often used.
• Need a carry bag for the Libretto cheap? Try the Case Logic PDC-1 Portable Drive CASE (also can be used for CD players and ZIP drives).
• Targus carries two leather cases for the Libretto, the CH-400 (mini-notebook wallet size) and CH-600 (larger leather portfolio size).

Visit Duracell's OEM site for very extensive background and technical information regarding the various battery technologies and types in use today (eg. click on Primary Systems -> Li-Ion link to read more about Lithium Ion batteries).
• Home-made batteries have been made which give you up to 14 hours of continuous runtime with the Libretto. Visit Xin's web site below for the 8 hour version; search the Libretto Mailing List Archives for M. Berlant's 14 hour version.

These projects have allowed one person to bicycle around with his Libretto on his handlebars attached to a GPS receiver, for hours and hours. Search Libretto Mailing List Archives for this thread.
• Mobilemate Mobilefellow - A small AC adapter that is designed to be smaller than the regular Libretto AC adapter for the Libretto. Yokogawa has US/Worldwide offices, but whether this part is available outside Japan is unknown.
• Need a power plug adapter when travelling to foreign countries? TeleAdapt will have the right adapters for you if you can't find them locally.
• Surplus Sharp power supply - Works with Libretto, may be out of stock.

Tanner Telectronics (Dallas, USA) - 972-242-8702.
15V, 1.8A $5.95 w/o AC power cord. About the same length and twice the width of the standard Toshiba adapter.

Adding memory to the Libretto is the easiest way to increase general performance under Windows. Windows 95 takes up 10-14MB by itself and running any application will usually cause it to use virtual memory, and thus swap frequently to the hard drive. 32MB of memory will reduce or eliminate the need for virtual memory and lengthen battery life while improving application load times and performance.
If you are running Windows 98 or NT, 32MB is the minimum recommended and you'd be better off with 64MB.

If you are looking for RAM, start searching ebay.com and impactcomputers.com, in addition to general searches on the part numbers using a search engine.

Portable devices that let you store information in a small form-factor so you can take the information with you, or put it in secured storage, when you can't take your Libretto along.
 
• IBM Microdrive - the world's smallest hard drives. Compact Flash size (42.8 x 36.4 x 5 mm) with up to 6GB in capacity.  Use them in the Libretto using the supplied Compact Flash to Type II PCMCIA converter. (Compact Flash cards are basically PCMCIA Type II cards in a smaller form-factor.)
• Simple Technology Flash-memory hard drives. Because these are solid state memory devices, you can rest assured that your data will remain intact even if the device is subject to shock and vibration or if power is cut off. Also, no spinning platters or moving parts means no HD-like crashes to worry about.
• CallunaCard Type II and Type III PCMCIA HDs - Available as a 260MB Type II card for $299; and in 520MB or 1GB Type III cards for $399 or $499.

These portable printers make a good companion for the Libretto, and with their battery packs, you can use them anywhere you take your Libretto.
• Brother MP-21C (Discontinued. Link for Supplies). Powered by the PCMCIA slot, these printers feature color 720x720 dpi and large ink cartridges in a 2.2 pound package.
• (Discontinued) Canon BJC-50. 65% of the size of the BJC-80, Li-Ion battery included, and basically the same features as the BJC-80 w/o the sheet feeder. One of the lightest inkjet printers with scanning capability.
• (Discontinued) Canon BJC-80 (this printer can also be used as a scanner with the optional scan head!) 720x360 dpi, color inkjet printer. 30 page sheet feeder, but no battery included with package (must buy seperate Ni-MH battery).
• Canon Pixma iP90v. Canon's lastest portable inkjet printer - requires USB port.
• (Discontinued) Citizen CN-60
• Pentax Pocketjet. Currently, one of the smallest, lightest portable printers available and has been around for decades.

• SIIG PCMCIA Slot fan - EF-PCMCIA - While this seems on paper to be a good idea, avoid this product or be very careful! A few people have noted that it is an extremely tight fit, and it may get stuck in the slot.

• Need a mini stereo jack adapter for your headphones to fit the smaller one in your Libretto?

Visit Radio Shack for the 3/32"/2.5mm to 1/8"/3.5mm stereo mini-plug converter, Cat 274-373 $2.99, Radio Shack Year 2000 catalog, Page 146, Middle Column, Middle of page.
• TDK Digital Music Card - DMC9000 - General MIDI, E-Mu wave table synthesis, 2/4 MB samples, 44.1kHz 16-bit sound, and optical digital output! 29,800 Yen (12/97). Now you can really say the Libretto can be used for 'serious' music work as the card allows a pure digital optical connection straight to your DAT or high-end stereo components. (Audio In & Out, Digital out, Midi In & Out ports)

In general, prices have dropped to the point where you can buy a 56Kb modem card for as low as $1 on www.ebay.com.
 
• 3COM Megahertz 56Kb XJack modems are one of the most compatible and easiest to install PCMCIA Type II modems available. They sell very cheap on ebay.com today new and used, and remain a bargain even today. Recommended.
• Hayes Optima 56Kb XJack - Obsolete brand. One of the lowest power consumption ratings on a 56Kb PCMCIA modem (131mA on, 6mA sleep). Of interest only if you wish to conserve power at all costs.

• Do you have a L100/110 and want a complete mobile communications solution? T-Mobile USA sells a $29.99 / month 24/7 unlimited wireless (cellular) internet plan. When used with the Sierra Wireless Aircard 750 or Merlin G100, a Type II PCMCIA card, any Libretto can now go online, surf the internet, get email, trade stocks, etc. anywhere in the USA where one has T-Mobile cell coverage! (Yes, even in the bathroom!) Both Verizon and Sprint offer similar services, but at higher rates of about $80+ per month, sometimes with faster service. Highly recommended for anyone who desires mobile internet access cheap!
• The SMC WiFi cards are among the many WiFi cards which work in the Libretto. The SMC2635W 802.11b PCMCIA adapter is a basic card that has been tested and works fine in a Libretto 110. They sell cheap on ebay.com. The higher-powered, longer-range models from SMC and other manufacturers will give you greater reach and performance versus this card, if you need.
• The 3Com 10/100 Ethernet LAN + 56Kb Modem PCMCIA CardBus card (3C3FEM656 C) has been my favorite for the L100, L110, and other models that have two, stacked 32-bit CardBus PCMCIA slots. This particular card includes jacks for both the Ethernet and Modem on the end, and does not require annoying external dongles. It fits flush with the edge of the Libretto 100/110, and has indicator lights to show the operation of either jack. Although an older, discontinued model, it still sells quite cheap on ebay.com and is a virtual bargain at the <$20 selling price you can acquire one for.
  The similar 3Com 3CXFEM656C requires only one CardBus PCMCIA slot, and can be used to free up the second slot vs. the one I use noted above. It does not allow simultaneous Ethernet and Modem use due to the single XJack connector used for both ports.
  Although these discontinued cards, as well as other 3Com Xjack Ethernet and Modem cards, sell cheap on ebay.com and are a bargain for the price and their design (The models noted above and Xjack models do not require external dongles), you can also buy and use any compatible card found in stores today.

Places to buy these products cheap:
http://www.ebay.com/
http://www.tech4less.com/
http://www.shopper.com/

Join the Libretto Mailing List to ask Q's regarding the setup of these devices, or see the Support section of the manufacturer's websites.

All Librettos can be upgraded with bigger hard drives and overclocked to faster speeds.

See the SHOP section for vendors that carry the drives listed below.
• Note: The Libretto 20, 30, 50 and 60 have 8.45mm tall HDs; the L70 has a 9.5mm HD; the L100 has a 9.5mm HD; the L1000 and L1010 have a 6.35mm HD. Drives of all Librettos, except the L1000's 6.35mm HD, can be upgraded to 3.2GB capacity with 2.5" HDs at this time without case modifications.
  However, it is highly recommended in the L20-70 models that the thin foam/plastic spacers underneath the plastic sheet surrounding the hard drive bay be removed before insertion of drives thicker than 8.5mm. These spacers, which normally do not and have not caused trouble for many people upgrading with the thicker 9.5mm hard drivers, have caused the memory chips to delaminate from the motherboard on one owner's Libretto. (This may be due to the numerous times his HD has been inserted and removed, and thus causing excessive stress on that area of the motherboard.)
  Of course, simply untightening the screws on the bottom of the Libretto to allow the HD to fit in, then retightening these screws has worked just fine for dozens of people and they have encountered not a single problem at all. This is the normal procedure followed by most people.
  Taller 2.5" HDs can be used with case modifications.
• It has been discovered that the 12GB Toshiba HD that can fit the Libretto (see model # & specs. below in my HD chart) does not work without modification in the L70 or older models. This is due to the fact that pin 28 on the HD is not grounded (to pin 30 for example), thus resulting in the HD being left in CSEL mode rather than MASTER mode.
  According to IBM specs., their 12GB HD does not have this problem.
  To fix this HD to make it work in the Libretto, simply connect pin 28 to ground. (See Toshiba PDF HD documentation to verify pins before proceeding.)
  Also, you will need to use either Linux or another third-party HD manager (such as EZ-Drive) to use and see all 12GB as the BIOS of these older Librettos have the well-known 8GB limit.
  Also note, you will need to either completely disable suspend to disk, or partition your HD such that the Libretto has unpartitioned free space to suspend to on the HD (it is not at the end of the 12GB, but rather in between, probably at the end of the 8GB limit). If you don't do this, the Libretto will overwrite your data during suspend to disk.
• If you own a Libretto 70, check your hard drive today! The latest L70s have been shipping with a 2.1GB HD!!!! instead of the 1.6GB HD stated in the specifications, but altered so you only see the first 1.6GB. (Apparently, the 1.6GB HD is out of production...) Many lucky people have already reported having the larger 2.1GB HD :).

  Note: It has been determined that the only way to get the L70 to see and recongnize all 2.1GB is to download and install the older 6.20 BIOS. The 6.30 & 6.40 BIOS has disabled support and will not be able to use or see all 2.1GB of this hard drive (bad Toshiba, bad!).

  Partition Magic will certainly show you this 'hidden' space if available (remember, about 32-40MB is left empty at the very end of your hard drive for hibernation to work. Don't mistake this for the 400MB if you have a 2.1GB HD!). Many other drive programs will let you know if you have a larger drive, such as the free Partition Manager. You can enlarge you current partition by an extra 400MB if you are lucky.

• If you have the money, the SanDisk FlashDrive is great way to go if you want a super-reliable, super-durable hard drive replacement that uses 2/3 less power than the Libretto hard drive and is 10x faster. Currently, this is the only drive that can be used in place of the 6.35mm hard drive found in the L1000.

 

6.0mm Libretto Compatible HDs
(SanDisk FlashDrives use solid-state flash memory
and are fully compatible with any IDE interface)

Brand	Model #	Capacity	Seek Time	Write Speed	Read Speed
SanDisk	FlashDrive	32MB to 1GB	1.25 ms	4 MB/s burst	6 MB/s burst

6.35mm Libretto Compatible HDs

Brand	Model #	Capacity	rpm	Buffer	IDE ATA
Toshiba	MK-2109MAF Press Release - in English or in Japanese	2.1 GB	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Toshiba	MK-2110MAF	2.16	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2

8.45mm Libretto Compatible HDs
(fits all Librettos except L1000 and 1010 models)

Brand	Model #	Capacity	rpm	Buffer	IDE ATA
Toshiba	MK-0200MAT	270 MB	4200	128	ATA-2
Toshiba	MK-0500MAT	500
Toshiba	MK-0500MAT	500	4200	128	ATA-2
Toshiba	MK-0803MAT	810	4200	128	ATA-2
Toshiba	MK-1004MAT	1 GB
Toshiba	MK-2105MAT	2.16	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Toshiba	MK-2109MAT	2.16	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Toshiba	MK-2110MAT	2.16	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Toshiba	MK-3207MAT Press Release - in English or in Japanese	3.2	4200	512	ATA-3 UDMA-2
Toshiba	MK-3209MAT	3.25	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Toshiba	MK-3212MAT	3.253	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Toshiba	MK-4309MAT	4.32	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Toshiba	MK-4310MAT	4.32	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Toshiba	MK-4313MAT	4.327	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Toshiba	MK-6411MAT Press Release - in English or in Japanese	6.495	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Toshiba	MK-6412MAT	6.495	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Toshiba	MK-8113MAT	8.1	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2

9.5mm Libretto Compatible HDs
(fits all Librettos except L1000 & 1010 models)

Brand	Model #	Capacity	rpm	Buffer	IDE ATA
Fujitsu	MHD-2021AT	2.16 GB	4000 rpm	512 KB	ATA-3 UDMA-2
Fujitsu	MHD-2032AT	3.25	4000	512	ATA-3 UDMA-2
Fujitsu	MHF-2021AT	2.16	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Fujitsu	MHF-2043AT	4.32	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Fujitsu	MHH-2032AT	3.2	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Fujitsu	MHH-2048AT	4.8	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Fujitsu	MHH-2064AT	6.4	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Fujitsu	MHK-2060AT	6	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Fujitsu	MHK-2090AT	9	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Fujitsu	MHK-2120AT	12	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Fujitsu	MHM-2100AT	10	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Fujitsu	MHM-2150AT	15	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Fujitsu	MHM-220AT	20	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Fujitsu	MHN-2100AT	10	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Fujitsu	MHN-2150AT	15	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Fujitsu	MHN-2200AT	20	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Fujitsu	MHN-2300AT	30	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Fujitsu	MHV2040AT / MHV2060AT / MHV2080AT / MHV2100AT / MHV2120AT	40 / 60 / 80 / 100 / 120	4200	2 / 8 / 8 / 8 / 8 MB	ATA-6
Fujitsu	MHV2040AH / MHV2060AH / MHV2080AH / MHV2100AH	40 / 60 / 80 / 100	5400	8 MB	ATA-6
Fujitsu	MHU2100AT	100	4200	8 MB	ATA-6
Fujitsu	MHT2020AT / MHT2030AT / MHT2040AT / MHT2060AT / MHT2080AT	20 / 30 / 40 / 60 / 80	4200	2 / 2 / 2 / 2 & 8 / 8 MB	ATA-6
Fujitsu	MHT2040AH / MHT2060AH / MHT2080AH	40 / 60 / 80	5400	8 MB	ATA-6
Hitachi	DK237A-32	3.24	4000	512	ATA-3 UDMA-2
Hitachi	DK238A-32	3.25	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Hitachi	DK238A-43	4.33	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Hitachi	DK239A-48	4.87	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Hitachi	DK239A-65	6.49	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
Hitachi	DK23AA-60	6.01	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Hitachi	DK23AA-90	9.04	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Hitachi	DK23AA-12	12.07	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Hitachi	DK23BA-60	6	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Hitachi	DK23BA-10	10	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Hitachi	DK23BA-20	20	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Hitachi	DK23CA-75	7.5	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23CA-10	10	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23CA-15	15	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23CA-20	20	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23CA-30	30	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23DA-10F	10	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23DA-20F	20	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23DA-30F	30	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23DA-40F	40	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23EA-30	30	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23EA-40	40	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23EA-60	60	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23EB-20	20	5400	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Hitachi	DK23EB-40	40	5400	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
IBM Storage merges with Hitachi on January 6, 2003. All IBM drives are now Hitachi drives.
IBM	Travelstar VP DDLA-21215	1.2	4000	96	IDE PIO-4
IBM	Travelstar VP DDLA-21620	1.6	4000	96	ID PIO-4
IBM	Travelstar 3GN DLKA-22160	2.1	4200	128	ATA-3 UDMA-2
IBM	Travelstar 3GN DLKA-23240	3.2	4200	128	ATA-3 UDMA-2
IBM	Travelstar 4GN DKLA-24320	4.3	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
IBM	Travelstar 6GN DBC-203240	3.2	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
IBM	Travelstar 6GN DBC-204860	4.8	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
IBM	Travelstar 6GN DBCA-206480	6.4	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-2
IBM	Travelstar 12GN DARA-206000	6	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-4
IBM	Travelstar 12GN DARA-20900	9	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-4
IBM	Travelstar 12GN DARA-21200	12	4200	512	ATA-4 UDMA-4
IBM	Travelstar 20GN DJSA-205	5	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-4
IBM	Travelstar 20GN DJSA-210	10	4200	512	ATA-5 UDMA-4
IBM	Travelstar 20GN DJSA-220	20	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-4
IBM	Travelstar 30GN IC25N020ATDA04	20	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 30GN IC25N030ATDA04	30	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 40GN IC25N010ATCS04	10	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 40GN IC25N020ATCS04	20	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 40GN IC25N030ATCS04	30	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 40GN IC25N040ATCS04	40	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Enhanced Availability = 732 recommended power on cycles / month & <50% maximum read/write duty cycle. Regular = 333 cycles / month & <20% r/w duty cycle.
IBM	Travelstar 40GN Enhanced Availability IC25N010ATCX04	10	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 40GN Enhanced Availability IC25N020ATCX04	20	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 40GN Enhanced Availability IC25N030ATCX04	30	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 40GN Enhanced Availability IC25N040ATCX04	40	4200	2 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 80GN IC25N020ATMR04	20	4200	2 MB	ATA-6 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 80GN IC25N040ATMR04	40	4200	2 MB	ATA-6 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 80GN IC25N080ATMR04	80	4200	8 MB	ATA-6 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 4K40 HTS424040M9AT00 / HTS424030M9AT00 / HTS424020M9AT00	40 / 30 / 20	4200	2 MB	ATA-6 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar E7K60 HTE726060M9AT00 / HTE726040M9AT00	60 / 40	7200	8 MB	ATA-6 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 7K60 HTS726060M9AT00	60	7200	8 MB	ATA-6 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar E5K100 HTE541040G9AT00	40	5400	8 MB	ATA-6 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 5K100 HTS541010G9AT00 / HTS541080G9AT00 / HTS541060G9AT00 / HTS541040G9AT00	100 / 80 / 60 / 40	5400	8 MB	ATA-6 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 5K80 HTS548080M9AT00 / HTS548060M9AT00 / HTS548040M9AT00 / HTS548020M9AT00	80 / 60 / 40 / 20	5400	8 MB	ATA-6 UDMA-5
IBM	Travelstar 4K80 HTS428080F9AT00 / HTS428060F9AT00 / HTS428040F9AT00 / HTS428030F9AT00	80 / 60 / 40 / 30	4200	8 / 8 / 2 / 2 MB	ATA-6 UDMA-5
Seagate	Momentus 42 STST94019A	40GB	4200	2 MB	Ultra ATA/100
Seagate	Momentus 42 ST92014A	20GB	4200	2 MB	Ultra ATA/100
Seagate	Momentus 4200.2 ST9100822A	100GB	4200	8 MB	Ultra ATA/100
Seagate	Momentus 4200.2 ST9808210A	80GB	4200	8 MB	Ultra ATA/100
Seagate	Momentus 4200.2 ST960821A	60GB	4200	8 MB	Ultra ATA/100
Seagate	Momentus 5400.2 ST94011A/ST94811A	40GB	5400	2/8 MB	Ultra ATA/100
Seagate	Momentus ST92011A/ST92811A	20GB	5400	2/8 MB	Ultra ATA/100
Seagate	Momentus 5400.2 ST960822A	60GB	5400	8 MB	Ultra ATA/100
Seagate	Momentus 5400.2 ST9808211A	80GB	5400	8 MB	Ultra ATA/100
Seagate	Momentus 5400.2 ST9100823A	100GB	5400	8 MB	Ultra ATA/100
Seagate	Momentus 5400.2 - 120GB Family ST93811A / ST94813A / ST96812A / ST98823A / ST9100824A / ST9120821A	30 / 40 / 60 / 80 / 100 / 120 GB	5400	8 MB	Ultra ATA/100
Seagate	Momentus 7200.1 ST92011A / ST92811A / ST94011A / ST94015A / ST94811A / ST96023A / ST980825A / ST910021A	20 / 20 / 40 / 40 / 40 / 60 / 80 / 100GB	5400 / 5400 / 7200 / 7200 / 5400 / 7200 / 7200 / 7200	2 / 8 / 8 / 8 / 8 / 8 / 8 / 8 MB	Ultra ATA/100
Toshiba	MK-6014MAP Press Release - in English or in Japanese	6.007	4200	1 MB	ATA-4 UDMA-4
Toshiba	MK-6414MAP Press Release - in English or in Japanese	6.495	4200	1	ATA-4 UDMA-4
Toshiba	MK-1214GAP Press Release - in English or in Japanese	12	4200	1	ATA-4 UDMA-4
Toshiba	MK-6015MAP Press Release - in English or in Japanese	6	4200	256 KB	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Toshiba	MK-1016GAP Press Release - in English or in Japanese	10	4200	1 MB	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Toshiba	MK-2016GAP Press Release - in English or in Japanese	20	4200	1	ATA-5 UDMA-4
Toshiba	MK-1517GAP Press Release - in English or in Japanese	15	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Toshiba	MK-3017GAP Press Release - in English or in Japanese	30	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
GAS models = 24dB & fluid dynamic bearing motor drives GAP models = 26dB & ball bearing motors. More information on Fluid Dynamic Bearings at IBM. (Adobe Acrobat format)
Toshiba	MK-2018GAP Press Release - in English or in Japanese	20	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Toshiba	MK-2018GAS Press Release - in English or in Japanese	20	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Toshiba	MK-4018GAP Press Release - in English or in Japanese	40	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Toshiba	MK-4018GAS Press Release - in English or in Japanese	40	4200	2	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Toshiba	MK-2019GAX Press Release - in English or in Japanese	20	5400	16	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Toshiba	MK-3019GAX Press Release - in English or in Japanese	30	5400	16	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Toshiba	MK-4019GAX Press Release - in English or in Japanese	40	5400	16	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Toshiba	MK-6022GAX Press Release - in English or in Japanese	60	5400	16	ATA-5 UDMA-5
Toshiba	MK4026GAX / MK6022GAX / MK6026GAX / MK8026GAX	40 / 60 / 60 / 80	5400	16 MB	ATA-6
Toshiba	MK2023GAS / MK3021GAS / MK4021GAS / MK4025GAS / MK6021GAS / MK6025GAS / MK8025GAS / MK1031GAS	20 / 30 / 40 / 40 / 60 / 60 / 80 / 100	4200	2 / 2 / 2 / 8 / 2 / 8 / 8 / 8 MB	ATA-5 / ATA-5 / ATA-5 / ATA-6 / ATA-5 / ATA-6 / ATA-6 / ATA-6
Western Digital	Scorpio WD400UE / WD600UE / WD800UE / WD400VE / WD600VE / WD800VE	40 / 60 / 80 / 40 / 60 / 80	5400	2 / 2 / 2 / 8 / 8 / 8 MB	ATA-6

Note: If you want to use a hard drive taller than 9.5mm in your Libretto, you'll need to modify the current case, modify another identical spare case, or buy a ready-made case that has more room.
Cut and modify to allow >9.5mm hard drives to fit in Libretto.
    (See NOVUM in the Shop section.)
    Stock # 28063894 Toshiba part # 47P133817G11 (~6300 Yen)
    Hard drive-end cover piece.
    Stock # 28062957 Toshiba part # 47M158376P11 (~250 Yen)
Ready-made case - see Japan Palmtop Direct above.

Note: Those who have bought the Panasonic speaker say it is an inferior replacement.
Digikey (see listing above in SHOP->Miscellaneous)
    Part # EAS-2P106C ($~7 US) - Panasonic part # P9601-ND, 20mm diameter, 3mm depth.
    Part # EAS-2P20A ($~5 US) - Panasonic part # P9602-ND, 20mm diameter, 8mm depth.

Man & Machine can install a 3M Brightness Enhancement Film into your LCD display panel to increase the brightness of the screen by 71% (from 70 nit to 120 nit). The advantage of this is that it allows you to run the Libretto at a lower screen brightness setting than before, yet it will appear just as bright with the film installed. This increases battery life. And, you can view the Libretto under much brighter conditions under full brightness power. About $300-400 USD, a Toshiba approved modification that will not void the warranty.

(Obsolete, Historical) http://www.pscom.co.uk/ PS Communications Limited can retrofit your Libretto with a touchscreen panel. Everything looks just like the original computer, but you can now move the mouse around just by touching the screen. 399 British Pounds or about $650 USD.

Note: Speeds of up to 266 Mhz have been reported.
Excessive heat generated may cause possible damage, shutdown, and/or reliability problems.
Use a CPU idling program to help prevent these thermal related problems (see SOFTWARE section for listings).
• My own 'preliminary' article covering the overclocking of the Libretto 50, including charts of all possible bus speeds and clock multiplier values and corresponding CPU speeds.
• Are you wanting to overclock your Libretto but don't feel you can do it yourself? Portable Enhancements can overclock your Libretto for you and even install larger hard drives.
• (Obsolete: http://www2.justnet.ne.jp/~toshio_h/index.html) Toshiba NOTE-PC Extender's Homepage - Got a Toshiba portable that you'd like to overclock? Steps for a dozen models are listed, including the Satellite and Protoge. This is a good place to get detailed pictures and instructions in Japanese for disassembling the Librettos.
• About the Libretto! - Similar to Toshiba Note-PC Extender's page in that there's a lot of detailed drawings showing the relevant components to modify for overclocking your Libretto.
• General Libretto M3 Specifications and notes.
• Librer's Kingdom in Japanese with some Libretto notes.
• Fast & First Technical info - Libretto 100 @ 200, 233, & 266Mhz! Libretto 30 @ 160Mhz!?, overclocking pics.
• Xin's Libretto pages - Details on his L50 overclock to 166Mhz, 8 hour home-made battery, and other notes.
• Ebi's Overclocking a Libretto 30 - Do-it-yourself pics and instructions. Lots of pictures and steps (in Japanese) on taking apart the Libretto.
• Japan Palmtop Direct - Provides overclocking and HD upgrades.
• Maxus Computer - Located in Japan. Overclocking & HD upgrades.
• Also, see: Yahoo!'s section on overclocking.