Sharp MZ-800

The Sharp MZ-800 was the European successor to the MZ-700, announced in 1984 and launched in Britain in early 1985. It added true bitmap graphics, improved three-channel sound and an 80-column display mode while retaining an MZ-700 compatibility mode.

Different configurations were sold with no built-in storage, an integrated cassette recorder or a Quick Disk drive. These variants shared the same computer and are represented here as one model.

Notable Features

• Added true 320 × 200 and 640 × 200 bitmap graphics.
• MZ-700 compatibility mode preserved much of the earlier software library.
• Available with cassette, Quick Disk or external disk-storage configurations.

Historical Significance

• Modernised Sharp’s European home-computer range while maintaining continuity with the MZ-700.
• Developed a particularly active user community in parts of continental Europe.

Collector's Notes

• Storage configuration and regional keyboard layout should be recorded for individual examples.
• Quick Disk mechanisms and cassette belts often need servicing.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sharp MZ-800
Manufacturer	Sharp
Launched	Tuesday, January 1, 1985
Discontinued	Late 1980s
Country	Japan
CPU	Sharp LH0080A, Zilog Z80A-compatible
Units Sold
Architecture	Sharp Clean Computer system
Input	Keyboard and joystick support
Display	Television or RGB monitor output
Compatibility	Largely compatible with Sharp MZ-700 software
Storage	Integrated Quick Disk drive, 64KB per side
Sound	Programmable multi-channel sound
Graphics	Programmable character graphics with colour display
ROM	Monitor ROM; software loaded from media
RAM	64KB
CPU Speed	Approximately 3.58 MHz