TRS-80 Model 12

Released in April 1983, the TRS-80 Model 12 was Tandy’s successor to the Model II, offering a refined industrial design and enhanced features for small to mid-sized businesses. It featured a Z80A CPU, 15" 80-column green screen, and dual 8" floppy drives, with support for TRSDOS-II, CP/M, and later Xenix when upgraded with the 68000 co-processor. The Model 12 improved upon its predecessor with a cleaner integrated design, quieter operation, and a more modular approach to expansion. It became a workhorse in accounting departments, law offices, and municipal IT.

Notable Features

• Professional CP/M workstation with 8-inch floppy drives

• Clean industrial design – quieter, cooler, more stylish than Model II

• Compatible with most Model II software and peripherals

• Upgradeable with 68000 CPU board for Unix-like Xenix support

• Bundled with accounting, word processing, and database applications

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Historical Significance

• Aimed at accounting, legal, and engineering offices

• Provided CP/M and Xenix power without minicomputer complexity

• The Model 12 was a direct competitor to systems like the DEC Rainbow and Altos 8000

• Shared motherboard and components with later Model 16B and Tandy 6000, easing upgrades

• One of Tandy’s last efforts to hold ground against the rapidly rising IBM PC standard

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Collector's Notes

• Rarity: High – fewer units in circulation, and business users often scrapped them

• Desirability: Strong among CP/M and Unix-on-Z80 collectors

• Common Issues:

  • CRT wear or screen burn

  • Drive belt degradation in 8" drives

  • PSU capacitor aging

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Specifications

Technical Information
Name	TRS-80 Model 12
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Friday, April 1, 1983
Discontinued	1986
Launch Price	$3,199 USD
Country	United States
CPU	Zilog Z80A @ 4 MHz
Units Sold	~60,000 (mainly business and government use)