Terminated: ca. 1985
This computer, the Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 100, introduced in 1983 is still very much alive and kicking early 21st century. Be amazed at the results of a Google Search (link valid 2024-01-13).
This computer has a huge (in its time extremely huge) 8 lines display, showing 40 characters per line. The screen could also be used graphically.
How to classify it? It has a built-in Word Processor, a Spread Sheet, a Data Base, Communications... This is probably one of the world first organisers, with a mini version of Microsoft Office on it.
Indeed, the OS for this one was written my Microsoft, and by no other than Bill Gates himself. This is in fact the last product that he wrote most of the code for himself. Read more in: this interview (link valid 2024-01-13) with Bill Gates, mentioning his work on this computer.
What’s so great about this device that people continue to use it in early 21st century? Well it’s extremely robust. But the main thing is, it runs extremely long (about 20 hours, consuming 0.8W) on just four AA batteries! Try that with any modern laptop. This is still a great machine for journalists.
The machine has quite a number of ports:
- Port to the built-in 300 baud modem
- A cassette interface
- Extension slots
- Printer port
The built-in clock routines are not millennium-proof, but there are some patches available. See: Muppetlab’s y2000 page (link valid 2024-01-13).
Many thanks, Arnoud Helmantel, for this addition to my collection!