Tandy Pocket Computer PC-8

The Tandy PC-8 was a Sharp-designed programmable pocket computer with a 16-character display, BASIC and business-oriented financial functions. Its familiar keyboard layout and optional printer/cassette dock recalled the earlier PC-3 in a lower-cost form.

It was one of the final numbered models in Tandy’s varied pocket-computer range, whose machines came from both Sharp and Casio.

Notable Features

• The handheld uses Sharp SC61720D03 four-bit processor.
• Program and working memory was 1.2KB RAM.
• Information is shown on 16-character alphanumeric LCD.

Historical Significance

• It was one of the final numbered models in Tandy’s varied pocket-computer range, whose machines came from both Sharp and Casio.
• 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-8
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Thursday, January 1, 1987
Launch Price	$59.95
Country	United States
CPU	Sharp SC61720D03 four-bit processor
Units Sold
Operating System	Pocket Computer BASIC
I/O	Proprietary printer/cassette interface connection
Keyboard	53-key alphabetic keyboard with numeric keypad
Storage	Internal program memory; optional cassette and thermal-printer interface
Sound	Programmable beeper or key feedback where supported
Graphics	Character-oriented LCD with no general bitmap graphics
Display	16-character alphanumeric LCD
ROM	16KB ROM containing BASIC and mathematical functions
RAM	1.2KB RAM
CPU Speed	Clock speed not published