Tandy / Radio Shack · 1977

TRS-80 Model I

Sold in Radio Shack stores and affectionately nicknamed the "Trash-80".

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0countries

Then vs now

Memory4 KBA 2025 phone has about 2.1 million× more
Clock speed1.77 MHzA phone core ticks about 1,695× faster
Launch price$599.95About $3,110 in 2024 dollars
MakerTandy / Radio Shack
Released1977
ProcessorZilog Z80, 1.77 MHz
Memory4 KB
StorageCassette
Launch price$599.95 (about $3,110 in 2024 dollars)
Big inUSA, UK, Australia

Launch price is for the base model in its home market and is approximate. US prices adjusted with the US Consumer Price Index (BLS).

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Where people started on one

Nobody has added the TRS-80 Model I yet.

Was the TRS-80 Model I your first computer?

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Memories of the TRS-80 Model I

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Questions and answers

When did the TRS-80 Model I come out?

The TRS-80 Model I was released in 1977 by Tandy / Radio Shack.

How much did the TRS-80 Model I cost when it was new?

About $599.95 for the base model at launch, roughly $3,110 in 2024 US dollars after inflation (US Consumer Price Index).

How much memory and speed did the TRS-80 Model I have?

4 KB of memory and a Zilog Z80 processor at 1.77 MHz. A typical 2025 flagship phone has about 2.1 million times more memory.

How many people had the TRS-80 Model I as their first computer?

Nobody has added it to the First Computer Atlas yet. If it was yours, add it.

Where was the TRS-80 Model I popular?

It was especially popular in USA, UK, Australia.

Can you still buy the TRS-80 Model I?

Only second-hand. Working units turn up on eBay and at retro computing fairs; boxed, tested machines cost the most. Check sold listings rather than asking prices to judge what one is worth.

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