Note
Introduction and Purpose:
The TRS-80 Model II was first introduced in May 1979 and began shipping in October 1979. It was designed as a business computer and targeted professional users. The Model II was more powerful than its predecessor, the Model I, and offered several enhancements.
Key Specifications:
CPU: It featured a Z-80A 8-bit processor running at 4 MHz.
Memory: Initially, it came with either 32K or 64K RAM (later upgradable to 256K).
Storage: The Model II included an 8-inch single-sided, double-density floppy drive (with a capacity of 486,000 characters per disk).
Keyboard: The detachable keyboard had 76 keys, including special keys like HOLD, ESC, BREAK, CTRL, CAPS, REPEAT, F1, and F2.
Video: It used a 12-inch monitor with 24 lines x 40 or 80 characters of text and 32 “Business Graphic” characters.
I/O Ports: Included RS-232C (2), Parallel/Printer (1), and an External Disk Bay Port (1).
Expansion: Four plug-in card slots allowed for future expansion or upgrading from 32K to 64K.
Power: Operated on 120VAC 60Hz.
Arcnet Local Area Network:
Radio Shack’s Arcnet (Attached Resource Computer Network) was a high-performance local area network for TRS-80 computers.
With Arcnet, users could link up to 255 Model 12 and II computers for effective large-scale operations1.
Business Applications:
The Model II was positioned as an efficient business tool: It could handle routine tasks swiftly. Vast data storage capabilities.
Timely information for decision-making. All at costs significantly below comparable industry computers. Radio Shack supported the Model II with user-oriented, well-documented software for payroll, accounting, inventory control, and more.
Legacy:
The TRS-80 Model II played a crucial role in bringing affordable data processing to businesses and professionals. Its combination of power, ease of use, and low cost made it suitable for various applications.
In summary, the TRS-80 Model II was a versatile microcomputer that bridged the gap between mainframes and smaller systems. Its impact on business computing remains significant, and it exemplifies the early days of personal computing. Radio Shack TRS-80 Model II was a significant microcomputer introduced by Radio Shack (Tandy Corporation) in the late 1970s.
