Sord IS-11C

The Sord IS-11C was a substantially redesigned successor to the original book-sized IS-11. Its hinged clamshell case and full-width 640x200 LCD made it resemble a modern laptop, with 80-column text and 25 visible lines suitable for serious word processing and spreadsheet work.

A CMOS Z80A, expanded ROM, 64KB of main memory and 16KB of display memory supported built-in Japanese word processing, I-PIPS and communications software. Microcassette storage remained available, while an external 3.5-inch floppy drive provided faster removable storage.

Notable Features

• Clamshell laptop-style case with a 640x200 LCD displaying 80x25 text.
• Large Japanese-language ROM included kanji fonts and a kanji dictionary.
• Built-in applications and battery operation supported work away from a desk.

Historical Significance

• Turned the original IS-11 concept into a visually and functionally distinct laptop computer.
• Combined Japanese word processing and the I-PIPS integrated application with a full-page-width display.

Collector’s Notes

• The internal NiCd battery was rated for roughly 2.5 hours and is likely to need replacement.
• The external floppy drive, mouse, keypad and microcassette media are valuable accessories.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Sord IS-11C
Manufacturer	Sord Computer Corporation
Launched	Tuesday, January 1, 1985
Discontinued	Late 1980s
Launch Price	US$1,495
Country	Japan
CPU	CMOS Zilog Z80A at 3.6864 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Built-in Japanese word processor, I-PIPS, communications software and BASIC
I/O	RS-232C, parallel, printer, microcassette and expansion interfaces
Keyboard	Integrated full-travel keyboard
Storage	Microcassette interface for 128KB double-sided tapes; optional external 3.5-inch floppy drive
Sound	Internal beeper
Graphics	640x200 pixels
Display	Monochrome LCD, 80x25 text
ROM	96KB program ROM, 128KB kanji-font ROM and 128KB kanji dictionary
RAM	64KB main RAM and 16KB display memory; some export descriptions list additional expandable RAM
CPU Speed	3.6864 MHz