Some computers I know really well. I grew up around Apples and Commodores but when it comes to the Tandy / Radio Shack series of computers released throughout out the early half of the 80’s I don’t know much. When it came to Radio Shack computers I have always been more familiar with the Tandy PC Compatible series of computers released much later.
While the Model III was targeted towards the business market, I was pretty impressed with how effortlessly it was able to throw the ASCII-type graphics around the screen. The Dancing Demon, a new personal favorite, has delighted TRS-80 users for dozens of years now.
The system boot up.
Rear of the model is surprisingly clutter free, being largely a self contained design.
As with most systems from this era, manuals provided users with invaluable first steps.
Thanks to the wonders of RetroPie I have had an opportunity to try a number of games on the system. For a machine without any custom graphical capabilities, the TRS-80 has a pretty extensive lineup of games. While clearly primitive, the amount of expressiveness many of these games have is impressive.
A little too late for Halloween, but it is amazing how much character could be given to games produced with this machine.
While I did not grow up with this computer, Radio Shack’s TRS-80 series of computers has impressed me with its longevity as a platform and wide variety of games.
If you like “less common” systems like the Model III please consider leaving a like or a comment. Which system should I do next?
My next system will not be a computer but I will be something from my youth that promoted over the holidays and somthing I always wanted but did not get until I was much older.
You can download the TRS-80 Model III design here.