Tandy TRS-80 Model II

The Tandy TRS-80 Model II was a professional computer separate from the home-oriented Model I line. It combined a 4 MHz Z80, 80-column display, detachable keyboard and high-capacity 8-inch floppy storage in an expandable business system.

The Model II established Tandy’s business-computer architecture and led to the Model 12, dual-processor Model 16 and Tandy 6000.

Notable Features

• Zilog Z80A at 4 MHz with 32KB or 64KB.
• The principal display was Built-in 12-inch monochrome CRT; 80 x 24 text.
• Storage support consisted of Single built-in 8-inch floppy drive; external drives and hard discs available.

Historical Significance

• The Model II established Tandy’s business-computer architecture and led to the Model 12, dual-processor Model 16 and Tandy 6000.
• 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 II
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Tuesday, May 1, 1979
Discontinued	1983
Launch Price	$3,450 with 32KB and one drive
Country	United States
CPU	Zilog Z80A at 4 MHz
Units Sold
CPU Speed	4 MHz
RAM	32KB or 64KB
ROM	Boot ROM with operating system loaded from disc
Display	Built-in 12-inch monochrome CRT; 80 x 24 text
Graphics	Programmable text characters; optional graphics hardware
Sound	Internal beeper
Storage	Single built-in 8-inch floppy drive; external drives and hard discs available
Keyboard	Separate 76-key keyboard with numeric keypad
I/O	Expansion card cage, printer, serial, keyboard and external storage interfaces
Operating System	TRSDOS-II, CP/M and business applications