Sharp X1 turbo

<p>The Sharp X1 turbo was the first major technical expansion of the X1 architecture. Released in October 1984, it added a high-resolution 640 by 400 display, kanji text support and dedicated controller hardware for more capable disk and communications work.</p><p>Sharp sold model 10, 20 and 30 configurations distinguished mainly by memory and floppy-drive equipment, followed by the model 40 business configuration. They are grouped here because they share the same underlying X1 turbo platform.</p>

<h6>Notable Features</h6><ul><li>Added 640×400 eight-colour high-resolution graphics and enhanced Japanese text handling.</li><li>CTC, DMA and serial I/O hardware strengthened disk, communications and business applications.</li><li>Model 10, 20, 30 and later model 40 configurations varied chiefly in storage and bundled equipment.</li></ul><h6>Historical Significance</h6><ul><li>Marked the division of the X1 family into standard and higher-specification turbo branches.</li><li>Its improved display became important to later Japanese role-playing and adventure games.</li></ul><h6>Collector's Notes</h6><ul><li>Model numbers identify different factory configurations, so floppy-drive equipment should be checked against the label.</li><li>Machines with working drives, matching high-resolution monitors and original system disks are the most useful complete sets.</li></ul>

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sharp X1 turbo
Manufacturer	Sharp
Launched	Monday, October 1, 1984
Launch Price	From ¥168,000
Country	Japan
CPU	Sharp Z80A at 4 MHz
Units Sold
Software	X1 software plus turbo-enhanced programs and CP/M
Configurations	Model 10, 20, 30 and model 40
Controllers	Z80 CTC, DMA and SIO support
Text Support	Kanji ROM and dedicated high-resolution text display
Storage	Cassette and model-dependent 5.25-inch floppy drives
Sound	AY-3-8910 or compatible three-channel PSG
Display	640×400 in 8 colours; compatible 320×200 and 640×200 modes
Video RAM	6KB text VRAM, 6KB PCG RAM and up to 96KB graphics RAM
RAM	64KB main RAM
CPU Speed	4 MHz