Connecting the Handset

43-976.fm Page 10 Monday, August 16, 1999 4:38 PM

5.Plug the other end of the modular phone cord into a modular phone jack.

6.Align the phone stand’s keyhole slots with the screw heads and slide the phone down until it snaps into place.

1.Plug one end of the supplied coiled cord into the modular jack on the side of the phone, and the other end into the modular jack on the handset.

Note: RadioShack stores sell longer coiled handset cords, which are especially useful when you wall-mount the phone.

2.If you installed the phone on a desk, simply place the handset in the cradle.

If you mounted the phone on the wall, slide out and rotate the hand- set holder so you can hang the handset on the base.

Note: You can place the handset on the holder above the regular handset holder. This gives you a convenient place to temporarily hang the handset without discon- necting the call.

1500 specifications

The Radio Shack 1500, also known as the TRS-80 Model 100, is a revolutionary portable computer that captured the imagination of tech enthusiasts in the 1980s. Launched in 1983, this device blended portability with powerful computing capabilities, making it one of the first truly mobile personal computers.

One of the standout features of the Radio Shack 1500 is its lightweight design. Weighing in at just about 4.5 pounds, it was easy to carry, setting the standard for future portable computers. Its compact form factor, including a built-in LCD screen and keyboard, allowed users to work on the go, whether at home, in the office, or on the road.

The Radio Shack 1500 is powered by a Zilog Z80 microprocessor, which operates at 3.5 MHz. It comes equipped with 8 KB of RAM, expandable to 32 KB with additional modules. This flexibility allowed users to customize their device according to their computing needs. The machine runs on a unique operating system developed by Radio Shack, which is primarily text-based, featuring word processing and simple spreadsheet capabilities.

The built-in 300 baud modem offered early connectivity options, allowing users to dial into bulletin board systems (BBS) and share information remotely. This feature was groundbreaking for its time, enabling communication and data access in a way that was previously unavailable on portable computers.

A notable characteristic of the Radio Shack 1500 is its long battery life. The device can run for several hours on AA batteries, which was a significant advantage for users who relied on it for extended periods without access to power sources. The quality of the keyboard also garnered praise, as it was designed for comfortable typing, making it suitable for long writing sessions and data entry tasks.

In addition to its core capabilities, the Radio Shack 1500 supported various applications, including word processing, database management, and even programming. Users could write personal code in BASIC or other supported languages, enhancing its utility beyond everyday computing tasks.

Overall, the Radio Shack 1500 was more than just a portable computer; it was a tool that paved the way for the future of mobile computing. Its blend of features, lightweight design, and innovative technologies made it a cherished device among early adopters, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of personal computing. Today, it stands as a nostalgic reminder of a transformative era in technology history.