Sharp PC-1211

<p>The Sharp PC-1211 was one of the first truly pocket-sized programmable computers. Launched in 1980, it combined a full QWERTY keyboard, a 24-character LCD and an immediately available BASIC interpreter in a slim battery-powered metal case.</p><p>Its portability and accessible programming environment made it useful to students, engineers and enthusiasts. Radio Shack also sold a rebadged version as the original TRS-80 Pocket Computer, greatly expanding its international visibility.</p>

<h6>Notable Features</h6><ul><li>Built-in structured BASIC with a QWERTY keyboard and single-line LCD.</li><li>Approximately 1,424 bytes were available for user program steps.</li><li>The optional CE-121 or CE-122 system added printing and cassette storage.</li></ul><h6>Historical Significance</h6><ul><li>Widely marketed in 1980 as the first Sharp BASIC pocket computer.</li><li>Rebadged by Radio Shack as the TRS-80 Pocket Computer, later known as the PC-1.</li></ul><h6>Collector's Notes</h6><ul><li>LCD degradation and battery leakage are common points to inspect.</li><li>The printer/cassette cradle, manuals and protective wallet make a particularly complete set.</li></ul>

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sharp PC-1211
Manufacturer	Sharp
Launched	Saturday, March 1, 1980
Launch Price	US$229
Country	Japan
CPU	Sharp SC43177 and SC43178 4-bit CMOS processors at 256 kHz
Units Sold
Battery Life	Approximately 300 operating hours
Power	Three MR44 button cells
Expansion	CE-121 or CE-122 printer and cassette interface
Storage	Internal memory; cassette through optional printer/interface
Keyboard	Compact QWERTY keyboard with calculator and programming keys
Language	Sharp S-BASIC
Display	24-character single-line 5×7 dot-matrix LCD
RAM	About 1.9KB total; 1,424 program steps available
CPU Speed	256 kHz
Processors	Sharp SC43177 and SC43178 dual 4-bit CMOS