Tandy TRS-80 Model 12

The Tandy TRS-80 Model 12 modernised the Model II business platform with revised electronics, quieter cooling and a cleaner cabinet. Its Z80 processor, 80-column display and 8-inch storage maintained compatibility with established business applications.

The Model 12 served both as a complete CP/M system and as the host platform for a 68000 upgrade, connecting the Model II generation with the Model 16 family.

Notable Features

• Zilog Z80A at 4 MHz with 64KB; expandable to 128KB.
• The principal display was Built-in 12-inch green monochrome CRT; 80 x 24 text.
• Storage support consisted of One or two built-in 8-inch floppy drives; optional external hard disc.

Historical Significance

• The Model 12 served both as a complete CP/M system and as the host platform for a 68000 upgrade, connecting the Model II generation with the Model 16 family.
• 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 12
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Friday, April 1, 1983
Discontinued	1985
Launch Price	$3,199 USD
Country	United States
CPU	Zilog Z80A at 4 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	TRSDOS-II, CP/M and business software
I/O	Expansion card cage, printer, serial and external storage interfaces
Keyboard	Separate professional keyboard with numeric keypad
Storage	One or two built-in 8-inch floppy drives; optional external hard disc
Sound	Internal beeper
Graphics	Programmable character graphics; optional graphics board
Display	Built-in 12-inch green monochrome CRT; 80 x 24 text
ROM	Boot ROM with operating system on disc
RAM	64KB; expandable to 128KB
CPU Speed	4 MHz