TRS-80 Model 16B

Introduced in June 1983, the TRS-80 Model 16B was Tandy’s most advanced and polished business computer of the early 1980s. Building on the Model 16, it combined a Motorola 68000 CPU, Z80A co-processor, and up to 1MB of RAM, with support for multiple users and terminals under Xenix, Microsoft’s UNIX System III derivative. Sporting a redesigned motherboard, faster 8" floppy drives, and bundled hard disk options, the 16B delivered true multitasking, multi-user power — ideal for law offices, municipalities, and accounting firms that needed a serious workstation at a fraction of minicomputer costs.

Notable Features

• Designed for serious multi-user, multitasking business environments
• First Tandy system to ship with 15MB hard disk as standard
• Updated motherboard improved speed, reliability, and expansion support
• Supported up to 6–8 terminals for multi-user setups
• Ran Xenix, Microsoft’s licensed UNIX variant based on System III

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Historical Significance

• One of the most capable Unix-like desktop computers in the early 1980s
• Provided affordable UNIX computing to organizations that couldn’t justify a DEC VAX
• Preceded the Tandy 6000, which introduced cosmetic and internal refinements
• Competed with systems from Altos, Fortune Systems, and DEC Rainbow in business markets
• Represented the apex of the TRS-80 business line before IBM PCs dominated the market

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Collector's Notes

• Rarity: High – limited production and most were recycled by the early 1990s
• Desirability: Very high among 68000 and Unix computing collectors
• Common Issues:
  • Aging hard disks (Shugart drives prone to mechanical failure)
  • CRT phosphor wear
  • SCSI controller and memory board failures
• Display Tips: Ideal to display running Xenix with vi, cron, or multi-terminal sessions showing off its UNIX chops

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	TRS-80 Model 16B
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Wednesday, June 1, 1983
Discontinued	1986
Launch Price	$5,000–$6,000 USD
Country	United States
CPU	Motorola 68000 @ 6 MHz (main), Zilog Z80A @ 4 MHz (legacy booting)
Units Sold	~20,000–30,000 (business use only)