This is my preferred pocket computer. The Sharp PC-150x. You will see later on why I am using the “x”. For now, let’s assume x = 0. I’ve spent thousands of hours coding on this puppy. I upgraded from the Sharp PC-1211, my very first computer. It was amazing. I broke the wall of the 1KB (yes 1024 bytes) and it was mobile. I could run for weeks on just four batteries, and I could code anywhere! Pure pleasure. The BASIC was rich, the machine was fast. And if really fast was needed, there was the assembler and all the ROM routines. Yeah, I recall the call &cd71 to switch off the machine from the code. I also loved the fact that it was possible to do graphics. Yes, a full dot-matrix line (7 x 156 pixels). And I used it. I wrote two great software: Dungeons & Dragons (with graphics a-la Ultima II & Wizardry) and Pastèque (in fact an Aztec-like game). I remember spending hours to tune the graphics routines and the animations. The best was the black cheetah. If I have the time, I will try to re-code it. J’en ai les larmes à l’ œil. So what about the x in the intro. In fact, instead of the PC-1500, we should talk about the PC-1500 family. First, Sharp did produce multiple versions over time and geographies: PC-1500A and PC-1501. Second, Sharp sold the machine’s license to many manufactures out of Japan: Tandy in the US (producing the PC-2) and Hiradástechnika Szövetkezet in Hungary (producing the PTA-4000 and PTA-4000+16). You will see all the details in the photos. Users could buy several peripherals (x-y, 4-color graphic printer, cassette interface, touch table, memory modules, etc.). Last but not least, there are two models I am missing: the PC-1500 (Japanese model) and the mythical PC-1500D with its blue bezel (if you have one, I am interested ;-)).
Do you create all of those awesome plexiglass containers for your treasures?
Hi, no I don’t. I used to buy them at the ContainerStore. I say “used” because they unfortunately do not carry the size that fits most of the pocket computers – like the 1500 – perfectly anymore… I didn’t source it yet from another provider.
Sent from my iPhone
> I’ve spent thousands of hours coding on this puppy
I’m good with BASIC on these Sharp machines, but I’m interested in picking up machine code on them as well. Would you have reference material lying around by any chance that could be added to your website?
It is always great to read a fellow sharp pocket computer aficionado! The web is pretty full of great material on this machine. This is what came to mind when I read your comment. If you don’t find what you are looking for, maybe you could ask an AI tool – after passing this reference book (see link at the end) and ask it to build you a learning plan, including exercises. http://www.pc1500.com/technical_reference_manual.html