Canon X-07

The Canon X-07 was a compact handheld computer with a wide liquid-crystal display, full keyboard and Microsoft BASIC in ROM. Its NSC800 processor was compatible with Z80 software conventions while retaining the low-power characteristics required for portable use.

Credit-card-sized RAM and ROM modules, an infrared optical coupler, printer/plotter and expansion station turned the small computer into a flexible mobile system. The modular accessories were as important to Canon’s concept as the handheld itself.

Notable Features

• Credit-card-sized RAM, ROM and combined application cards fitted beneath the unit.
• Optional infrared coupler communicated with nearby peripherals without a cable.
• Expansion station added television display and broader desktop connections.

Historical Significance

• An early example of Canon applying calculator and office-electronics experience to handheld computing.
• Its memory-card and wireless-accessory concepts anticipated later portable organisers.

Collector’s Notes

• Memory cards contain lithium-backed RAM that may have lost data or leaked.
• The optical coupler, X-710 plotter and expansion station are desirable but uncommon accessories.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Canon X-07
Manufacturer	Canon
Launched	Tuesday, March 1, 1983
Country	Japan
CPU	National Semiconductor NSC800 at approximately 2.5 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Microsoft BASIC in ROM
I/O	Expansion bus; optional RS-232, infrared coupler, cassette, video and printer
Keyboard	Integrated 65-key alphanumeric keyboard
Storage	Battery-backed RAM/ROM cards; cassette through expansion
Sound	Piezoelectric beeper
Graphics	Programmable monochrome graphics
Display	Built-in 120 x 32 monochrome LCD
ROM	Microsoft BASIC and system firmware
RAM	8KB built in; expandable to 16KB internally and 24KB with card
CPU Speed	Approximately 2.5 MHz