Sharp PC-1211

In today's article we are going to analyze the importance of Sharp PC-1211 in our lives. Sharp PC-1211 is a topic that has gained relevance in recent years, and more and more people are interested in learning more about it. In this article we will delve into various aspects related to Sharp PC-1211, from its origins and evolution, to its impact on current society. In addition, we will examine how Sharp PC-1211 has influenced different areas, such as culture, technology, economics, and even politics. Without a doubt, Sharp PC-1211 has been a determining factor in the way we live and think today. Join us in this exploration of Sharp PC-1211 and discover why it is so relevant to the world we live in.

Sharp PC-1211
Sharp PC-1211
ManufacturerSharp Corporation
GenerationFirst
Release dateMarch 1980 (1980-03)
CPUSC43177/SC43178 processors at 256 kHz
Memorythree TC5514P 4 Kbit RAM modules
Display24 digit dot matrix LCD
InputFull QWERTY-style keyboard
Powerfour MR44 1.35 V Mercury button cells
SuccessorSharp PC-5000
RelatedSharp PC-1500
Sharp PC-1251

The Sharp PC-1211 is the first pocket computer ever released, marketed by Sharp Corporation in March 1980.[1][2] The computer was powered by two 4-bit CPUs laid out in power-saving CMOS circuitry. One acted as the main CPU, the other dealt with the input/output and display interface. Users could write computer programs in BASIC.

A badge-engineered version of the PC-1211, the TRS-80 Pocket Computer (model PC-1), was marketed by Radio Shack in July 1980 as the first iteration of the TRS-80 Pocket Computer with just a marginally different look (outer plastic parts in black, not brown, gray display frame)

Technical specifications

  • 24 digit dot matrix LCD
  • Full QWERTY-style keyboard
  • Integrated beeper
  • Connector for printer and tape drive
  • Programmable in BASIC
  • Uses four MR44 1.35 V Mercury button cells
  • Battery life in excess of 200 hours
  • 1424 program steps, 26 permanent variable locations (A-Z or A$-Z$) and 178 variables shared with program steps
  • Built out of off-the-shelf CMOS components, including SC43177/SC43178 processors at 256 kHz and three TC5514P 4 Kbit RAM modules

Accessories

  • CE-121 Cassette Interface
  • CE-122 Printer

TRS-80 Pocket Computer ("PC-1")

A badge-engineered version of the Sharp PC-1211 was introduced in July 1980 and marketed by Radio Shack as the original TRS-80 Pocket Computer. This was later referred to as the "PC-1" to differentiate it from subsequent entries (PC-2 onwards) in the TRS-80 Pocket Computer line.[3]

  • Sharp PC-1211. This example exhibits a display that is failing, a very common problem with Sharp's displays of the time.
    Sharp PC-1211. This example exhibits a display that is failing, a very common problem with Sharp's displays of the time.
  • CE-122 printer in a travel case.
    CE-122 printer in a travel case.
  • Rebadged "TRS-80 Pocket Computer PC-1" version.
    Rebadged "TRS-80 Pocket Computer PC-1" version.
  • TRS-80 Pocket Computer with external cassette tape interface unit and Realistic Minisette 9
    TRS-80 Pocket Computer with external cassette tape interface unit and Realistic Minisette 9

See also

References

  1. ^ Hayes, Frank (December 16, 2002). "The Story So Far". Computerworld. 36 (51). IDG Publications: 28 – via the Internet Archive.
  2. ^ Barry, John (September 1, 1980). "Japanese Retailer Pursues U.S. Market". InfoWorld. 2 (15). IDG Publications: 26–27 – via Google Books.
  3. ^ "TRS 80 PC-1". old-computers.com. Retrieved 2015-03-05. Nowadays, it is often referred to as the TRS-80 PC-1, so as to differentiate it from its successor, the TRS-80 PC-2 (and following)
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