Tandy Pocket Computer PC-5

The Tandy PC-5 combined a programmable scientific calculator with BASIC and assembly-language support in a folding Casio-designed enclosure. It included 75 built-in scientific calculations and note and address storage.

Its mixture of calculator functions and general programming targeted engineers and students who needed more flexibility than a fixed-function calculator.

Notable Features

• The handheld uses Z80-compatible processor.
• Program and working memory was 4KB RAM.
• Information is shown on 24-character alphanumeric LCD.

Historical Significance

• Its mixture of calculator functions and general programming targeted engineers and students who needed more flexibility than a fixed-function calculator.
• The machine was manufactured for Radio Shack by a Japanese calculator or electronics company and given Tandy/TRS-80 branding.

Collector’s Notes

• LCD condition and battery leakage are the most important checks on surviving pocket computers.
• The matching printer, cassette interface, cables, manuals and memory modules make a more complete system.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Tandy Pocket Computer PC-5
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Saturday, November 30, 1985
Launch Price	$119.95
Country	United States
CPU	Z80-compatible processor
Units Sold
Operating System	BASIC and assembly language
I/O	Cable connection to PC-4 cassette and printer accessories
Keyboard	Folding scientific and alphanumeric keyboard
Storage	Internal memory; optional cassette and thermal-printer interfaces
Sound	Programmable beeper or key feedback where supported
Graphics	Character-oriented LCD with no general bitmap graphics
Display	24-character alphanumeric LCD
ROM	ROM containing BASIC, assembly support and scientific functions
RAM	4KB RAM
CPU Speed	Clock speed not published