Tandy Model 102

The Tandy Model 102 refined the Model 100 portable in a thinner, lighter enclosure with 24KB RAM as standard. It preserved the instant-on applications, excellent keyboard, modem and long battery life of its predecessor.

Journalists and field workers continued using the 102 long after newer laptops appeared because it was durable, quiet and immediately ready for text and communications.

Notable Features

• Processing is provided by Intel 80C85 at 2.4 MHz.
• The standard memory configuration was 24KB standard; expandable to 32KB.
• Display hardware provided 240 x 64 monochrome graphics.

Historical Significance

• Journalists and field workers continued using the 102 long after newer laptops appeared because it was durable, quiet and immediately ready for text and communications.
• 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 Model 102
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Wednesday, January 1, 1986
Discontinued	1991
Launch Price	$499
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 80C85 at 2.4 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	ROM-based Microsoft BASIC and Model 100 applications
I/O	300-baud modem, RS-232, parallel printer, cassette and barcode interface
Keyboard	Integrated full-size keyboard with function keys
Storage	Internal RAM filesystem, cassette and optional external disk storage
Sound	Piezoelectric beeper
Graphics	240 x 64 monochrome graphics
Display	Built-in 240 x 64 monochrome LCD; 40 x 8 text
ROM	32KB ROM containing system software and Microsoft BASIC
RAM	24KB standard; expandable to 32KB
CPU Speed	2.4 MHz