Tandy 1000 TL

The Tandy 1000 TL paired the enhanced PSSJ audio and Video II graphics with an 80286. TL/2 and TL/3 revisions added drive, ROM and speed improvements without changing the family’s overall role.

The TL line was the most capable traditional desktop expression of Tandy’s multimedia-oriented 1000 architecture.

Notable Features

• Processing is provided by Intel 80286 at 8 MHz; 10 MHz on TL/3.
• The standard memory configuration was 640KB plus video memory; later revisions support additional memory.
• Display hardware provided Tandy Video II with sixteen-colour and Hercules-compatible modes.

Historical Significance

• The TL line was the most capable traditional desktop expression of Tandy’s multimedia-oriented 1000 architecture.
• Storage-only and minor motherboard revisions are documented on this page rather than treated as separate products.

Collector’s Notes

• Confirm the catalogue number, processor, memory and drives because similar Tandy cases were sold in several configurations.
• Original DeskMate or system disks, keyboards, monitors and Radio Shack documentation add historical value.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Tandy 1000 TL
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Friday, January 1, 1988
Discontinued	1991
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 80286 at 8 MHz; 10 MHz on TL/3
Units Sold
Operating System	MS-DOS and DeskMate
I/O	RGB, printer, serial, microphone, headphones, joysticks and expansion slots
Keyboard	Separate enhanced Tandy keyboard
Storage	3.5-inch floppy with additional drive and hard-disc options
Sound	Tandy PSSJ sound with three voices and eight-bit digital audio
Graphics	Tandy Video II with sixteen-colour and Hercules-compatible modes
Display	External RGB monitor; 80 x 25 text
ROM	PC-compatible BIOS with later versions booting DOS from ROM
RAM	640KB plus video memory; later revisions support additional memory
CPU Speed	8 or 4.77 MHz; TL/3 at 10 or 5 MHz