Sharp PC-1500

<p>The Sharp PC-1500 brought greater speed, graphics and expansion to the pocket-computer format in 1982. Its Sharp LH5801 processor was broadly Z80-like, while a 156 by 7 pixel display could show text or user-drawn graphics under BASIC control.</p><p>A substantial accessory system added colour plotting, printing, cassette storage, serial communications and RAM expansion. Radio Shack sold a closely related version as the TRS-80 Pocket Computer PC-2.</p>

<h6>Notable Features</h6><ul><li>Graphical 156×7-pixel LCD and faster 8-bit LH5801 processor.</li><li>The CE-150 dock combined a four-colour pen plotter, printer and cassette interface.</li><li>Memory modules and RS-232 accessories supported serious field and laboratory use.</li></ul><h6>Historical Significance</h6><ul><li>Expanded the idea of a pocket computer into a modular portable computing system.</li><li>Radio Shack marketed its version as the TRS-80 Pocket Computer PC-2.</li></ul><h6>Collector's Notes</h6><ul><li>The PC-1500A and PC-1501 are later closely related revisions with more internal RAM.</li><li>CE-150 plotters often need mechanical servicing, but complete working systems are highly appealing.</li></ul>

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sharp PC-1500
Manufacturer	Sharp
Launched	Friday, January 1, 1982
Launch Price	US$279
Country	Japan
CPU	Sharp LH5801 8-bit CMOS processor at 2.6 MHz
Units Sold
Related Model	Radio Shack TRS-80 Pocket Computer PC-2
Power	Four AA batteries or external 6V DC
Expansion	Memory modules, CE-150 plotter/cassette dock and CE-158 RS-232C
Storage	Internal RAM; cassette through optional interface
Keyboard	QWERTY keyboard with numeric and programmable function keys
Language	1500-BASIC
Display	156×7-pixel graphical LCD; 26-character text line
ROM	16KB system ROM
RAM	3.5KB fitted, about 2.6KB available to the user
CPU Speed	2.6 MHz