Tandy TRS-80 Pocket Computer PC-3

The Tandy PC-3, manufactured by Sharp as a relative of the PC-1251, offered a 24-character display and useful BASIC programming in a very slim case. The later PC-3A expanded available memory to 4KB.

Its low $99.95 price brought a more capable pocket computer within reach of students and hobbyists.

Notable Features

• The handheld uses Sharp SC61860.
• Program and working memory was 1.4KB standard; PC-3A revision provides 4KB.
• Information is shown on 24-character alphanumeric LCD.

Historical Significance

• Its low $99.95 price brought a more capable pocket computer within reach of students and hobbyists.
• 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-3
Manufacturer	Tandy
Launched	Saturday, January 1, 1983
Launch Price	$99.95
Country	United States
CPU	Sharp SC61860
Units Sold
Operating System	Pocket Computer BASIC
I/O	Proprietary connector for printer/cassette interface
Keyboard	Compact alphanumeric and numeric keyboard
Storage	Internal program memory; optional cassette and thermal-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	24KB ROM containing BASIC and scientific functions
RAM	1.4KB standard; PC-3A revision provides 4KB
CPU Speed	Clock speed not published