Tandy TRS-80 Model 100

The Tandy TRS-80 Model 100 combined instant-on ROM applications, a full keyboard, LCD and built-in communications in a battery-powered portable made by Kyocera. It could operate for many hours on four AA batteries.

Its durability and integrated modem made it especially popular with journalists and field workers, and its keyboard-slab layout influenced later portable computers.

Notable Features

• Intel 80C85 at 2.4 MHz with 8KB or 24KB; expandable to 32KB.
• The principal display was Built-in 240 x 64 monochrome LCD; 40 x 8 text.
• Storage support consisted of Internal RAM filesystem, cassette interface and optional external disk/video system.

Historical Significance

• Its durability and integrated modem made it especially popular with journalists and field workers, and its keyboard-slab layout influenced later portable computers.
• Radio Shack’s large retail network made demonstration, sales and support available well beyond specialist computer dealers.

Collector’s Notes

• Factory memory, drive configuration and regional badge should be checked because many surviving systems were upgraded.
• Original monitors, manuals, software, storage hardware and Radio Shack peripherals add historical context.

Specifications

Technical Information
Name	Tandy TRS-80 Model 100
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Tuesday, March 1, 1983
Discontinued	1986
Launch Price	$799 with 8KB
Country	United States
CPU	Intel 80C85 at 2.4 MHz
Units Sold
CPU Speed	2.4 MHz
RAM	8KB or 24KB; expandable to 32KB
ROM	32KB ROM containing system software and Microsoft BASIC
Display	Built-in 240 x 64 monochrome LCD; 40 x 8 text
Graphics	240 x 64 monochrome graphics
Sound	Piezoelectric beeper
Storage	Internal RAM filesystem, cassette interface and optional external disk/video system
Keyboard	Integrated 56-key keyboard with function keys and numeric overlay
I/O	300-baud modem, RS-232, parallel printer, cassette and barcode interface
Operating System	ROM-based Microsoft BASIC, TEXT, TELCOM, ADDRSS and SCHEDL