Thought you guys might appreciate this
Posted by Foespace@reddit | vintagecomputing | View on Reddit | 12 comments
Fully original SHARP PC-1211 pocket computer.
I got this from my grandfather in the early 2000s as a kid. It was the first time I programmed anything.
I started off with basic text prompts that gave different answers based on whoevers name was input. Very basic, very stupid, but I was 8 or 9.
Temuco1996@reddit
That was my first computer in 1979.
Foespace@reddit (OP)
Ive had it lying in a closet for years. I did see that the LCD is usually what goes on them, ive only ever had to clean the contacts and replace the button cells so far though.
benryves@reddit
Have you had to replace the batteries in the cassette interface yet? Mine still has the original Sharp batteries in it (dated October 1980) and they still work fine...
Foespace@reddit (OP)
Honestly I have never even used the cassette interface, I didnt know it had batteries...I will definitely investigate
LittlePooky@reddit
I had one of these and I even bought the printer that went with it too. It wasn't a regular printer, but actually technically a plotter. And used a tiny ballpoint pen, which was amazing. One of the programs that came on the cassettes was able to draw 3D graphics, and it took forever to print one, but it was so cool. I believe a RadioCheck made a similar model.
benryves@reddit
I think you may be thinking of the PC-1500 rather than the PC-1211?
LittlePooky@reddit
Oh you're right. The keyboards look different.
I wish the "pens" weren't so expensive (I got them from Radio Shack)
benryves@reddit
I've had to make my own by cutting up gel pens. It's a bit of a faff!
imactheknife73@reddit
Had a few sharp portable computers/ calculators over the years. Cool little untis
steppek@reddit
I had a Sharp EP-5500 and I loved it. Had so much fun with it back in the day.
FeistyDay5172@reddit
Damn. It has been quite a while since I played around with one of these. Thank you for the memory restore. 👍👍
Ok_Programmer_4449@reddit
It's very unusual to find them with the LCD display functioning