Tandy TRS-80 Pocket Computer PC-1

The TRS-80 Pocket Computer, later called the PC-1, placed a programmable BASIC computer into a genuinely pocket-sized enclosure. It was Tandy’s version of the Sharp PC-1211 and supported numeric and short string programs.

Introduced alongside Tandy’s 1980 desktop products, it helped establish the pocket-computer category between programmable calculators and general-purpose computers.

Notable Features

• The handheld uses Sharp SC43177 and SC43178 four-bit processors.
• Program and working memory was 1.9KB RAM providing about 1,424 program steps.
• Information is shown on 24-character alphanumeric LCD.

Historical Significance

• Introduced alongside Tandy’s 1980 desktop products, it helped establish the pocket-computer category between programmable calculators and general-purpose computers.
• 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 TRS-80 Pocket Computer PC-1
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Thursday, July 31, 1980
Launch Price	$249.95
Country	United States
CPU	Sharp SC43177 and SC43178 four-bit processors
Units Sold
Operating System	Pocket Computer BASIC
I/O	Proprietary expansion connection for cassette/printer interface
Keyboard	57-key alphanumeric and numeric keyboard
Storage	Internal program memory; optional cassette and printer interface
Sound	Programmable beeper or key feedback where supported
Graphics	Character-oriented LCD with no general bitmap graphics
Display	24-character alphanumeric LCD
ROM	11KB ROM containing monitor and BASIC
RAM	1.9KB RAM providing about 1,424 program steps
CPU Speed	Clock speed not published