Tandy TRS-80 Pocket Computer PC-2

The Tandy PC-2 was a rebadged Sharp PC-1500 with an eight-bit LH5801 processor, expandable memory, real-time clock and addressable single-line LCD. Its optional four-colour pen plotter could produce both text and graphics.

Substantial expansion and scientific programming capability made the PC-2 the most system-like member of Tandy’s early pocket range.

Notable Features

• The handheld uses Sharp LH5801 at 1.3 MHz.
• Program and working memory was Approximately 2.6KB working and fixed-data RAM; expandable with plug-in modules.
• Information is shown on 26-character alphanumeric and fully addressable 7 x 156-dot LCD.

Historical Significance

• Substantial expansion and scientific programming capability made the PC-2 the most system-like member of Tandy’s early pocket range.
• 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-2
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Friday, January 1, 1982
Launch Price	$279.95
Country	United States
CPU	Sharp LH5801 at 1.3 MHz
Units Sold
Operating System	Extended Pocket Computer BASIC
I/O	60-pin expansion bus with optional cassette, plotter and RS-232 interfaces
Keyboard	65-key alphanumeric keyboard with programmable function keys
Storage	Internal memory; optional cassette and four-colour printer/plotter
Sound	Programmable beeper or key feedback where supported
Graphics	Character-oriented LCD with no general bitmap graphics
Display	26-character alphanumeric and fully addressable 7 x 156-dot LCD
ROM	16KB system ROM
RAM	Approximately 2.6KB working and fixed-data RAM; expandable with plug-in modules
CPU Speed	1.3 MHz