Sharp X1

<p>Released in Japan in November 1982, the Sharp X1 was a colourful Z80 home computer designed by Sharp’s television division. Its programmable character graphics, fast cassette interface and close integration with an optional television monitor made it particularly well suited to games and audiovisual experimentation.</p><p>Unlike many rivals, the X1 did not keep BASIC permanently in ROM. Hu-BASIC and other software loaded from cassette or disk, leaving the machine flexible and helping the series develop a substantial Japanese software library.</p>

<h6>Notable Features</h6><ul><li>Programmable character generator supported colourful, redefinable text graphics.</li><li>Optional television monitor included a tuner and allowed computer graphics to be overlaid on broadcast pictures.</li><li>The clean-computer design loaded Hu-BASIC and other environments from cassette or disk.</li></ul><h6>Historical Significance</h6><ul><li>Developed by Sharp’s television division rather than the computer division responsible for the MZ range.</li><li>Established the X1 family, which became one of Japan’s notable game-oriented 8-bit computer lines.</li></ul><h6>Collector's Notes</h6><ul><li>Original systems were sold in several case colours and are especially desirable with the matching keyboard and Sharp television monitor.</li><li>Software commonly uses Japanese cassette or 5.25-inch disk formats, so working drives and compatible displays add considerable practical value.</li></ul>

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sharp X1
Manufacturer	Sharp
Launched	Monday, November 1, 1982
Launch Price	¥155,000
Country	Japan
CPU	Sharp Z80A at 4 MHz
Units Sold
Software	Hu-BASIC, CP/M and a large Japanese games library
I/O	Centronics printer, two joystick ports, cassette and audio connections
Expansion	Expansion bus for floppy, graphics and other interfaces
Keyboard	Separate full-size keyboard with function and numeric keys
Storage	Cassette at approximately 2,700 baud; optional 5.25-inch floppy disk drives
Sound	General Instrument AY-3-8910 three-channel programmable sound generator
Display	40 or 80 columns by 25 lines; 320×200 or 640×200 graphics in 8 colours
Video RAM	4KB text VRAM, 6KB programmable-character RAM; optional 48KB graphics RAM
RAM	64KB
CPU Speed	4 MHz