Tandy 600 Portable Computer

The Tandy 600 was a folding portable with an 80-column LCD, 16-bit 80C86 processor, built-in 3.5-inch floppy drive and communications hardware. It was substantially more ambitious than the Model 100 family.

High price and limited software support restricted sales, but its clamshell layout, integrated drive and desktop-style screen anticipated later laptops.

Notable Features

• Processing is provided by Intel 80C86 at 4.77 MHz.
• The standard memory configuration was 32KB standard; expandable to 224KB.
• Display hardware provided 480 x 128 monochrome graphics.

Historical Significance

• High price and limited software support restricted sales, but its clamshell layout, integrated drive and desktop-style screen anticipated later laptops.
• 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 600 Portable Computer
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Tuesday, October 1, 1985
Discontinued	1987
Launch Price	$1,599
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 80C86 at 4.77 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Microsoft MS-DOS-compatible environment with ROM applications
I/O	300-baud modem, RS-232, parallel printer, external video and expansion
Keyboard	Integrated clamshell keyboard
Storage	Built-in 3.5-inch floppy drive and RAM filesystem
Sound	Programmable beeper
Graphics	480 x 128 monochrome graphics
Display	Built-in 480 x 128 monochrome LCD; 80 x 16 text
ROM	ROM-based operating environment and applications
RAM	32KB standard; expandable to 224KB
CPU Speed	4.77 MHz