In the 1980s, a technological revolution was brewing, and Sharp was at the forefront of this exciting new era with their innovative handheld computers. These compact and powerful devices promised to change the way we approached computing, offering portability and convenience like never before. This blog post will take you on a journey through the evolution of Sharp's handheld computers in the 1980s, exploring their features, impact, and legacy in the world of portable computing.

The Dawn of Portable Computing

The concept of portable computing was still in its infancy in the early 1980s. However, Sharp was quick to recognize the potential of these devices and began developing their own line of handheld computers. The first of these devices, the Sharp PC-1211, was released in 1980 and marked the beginning of a new era in computing.

The Sharp PC-1211 was a pocket-sized computer that featured a full QWERTY keyboard, an LCD display, and a built-in BASIC interpreter. It was powered by a 4-bit microprocessor and had 1.4KB of RAM, which was expandable to 4KB. The PC-1211 also had a built-in calculator and could be connected to a printer, making it a versatile and practical device for its time.

Advancements and Innovations

Throughout the 1980s, Sharp continued to push the boundaries of portable computing with a series of groundbreaking devices. One such device was the Sharp PC-1500, released in 1982. This handheld computer was a significant upgrade from the PC-1211, featuring an 8-bit microprocessor, 3.5KB of RAM (expandable to 16KB), and a larger LCD display.

The PC-1500 was also one of the first handheld computers to support external storage, with an optional cassette tape interface available for saving and loading programs. This allowed users to store and access a much larger library of software, greatly increasing the device's versatility and functionality.

In 1986, Sharp released the PC-5000, a clamshell-style handheld computer that featured a full-sized keyboard and a larger, 80x25 character LCD display. The PC-5000 was powered by an Intel 8086 microprocessor, the same processor used in IBM's popular PC/XT computers, and had 64KB of RAM, expandable to 128KB. This made the PC-5000 one of the most powerful handheld computers of its time, capable of running a wide range of software, including the MS-DOS operating system.

Impact on the Industry

Sharp's handheld computers had a profound impact on the portable computing industry. Their devices were known for their quality, reliability, and innovative features, which set the standard for other manufacturers to follow. As a result, Sharp's handheld computers became popular among professionals, students, and hobbyists alike, who appreciated their portability and functionality.

The success of Sharp's handheld computers also inspired other companies to enter the market, leading to a surge in the development of new and innovative portable devices. This competition ultimately drove the evolution of portable computing, paving the way for the laptops, tablets, and smartphones we know and love today.

A Lasting Legacy

While the handheld computers of the 1980s may seem primitive by today's standards, their impact on the world of portable computing cannot be overstated. Sharp's pioneering efforts in this field laid the groundwork for the modern devices we rely on every day, and their innovations continue to influence the industry even now.

The 1980s were an exciting time for technology, and Sharp's handheld computers were a shining example of the incredible advancements made during this period. These devices not only changed the way we approached computing but also opened up new possibilities for communication, productivity, and entertainment. As we continue to push the boundaries of technology, it's important to remember and appreciate the innovations of the past that have helped shape the world we live in today.