Take a nostalgic look back at the Tandy TRS-80 Model 3 computer from Radio Shack, one of the most recognizable and influential home computer systems of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Released as the successor to the original TRS-80 Model I, the Model 3 combined the monitor, keyboard, and floppy disk drives into a single all-in-one design that became a familiar sight in homes, schools, and Radio Shack stores across North America.
In this #SepTandy video, I explore the history and specifications of the TRS-80 Model 3 including comparisons to the earlier Model I, a closer look at the dual floppy disk drives, built-in monochrome CRT display, and full-travel keyboard with integrated numeric keypad. The video also demonstrates classic software and games running on original hardware including 13 Ghosts, Zork by Infocom, Apple Panic, and a BASIC Matrix-style demo inspired by the release period surrounding The Matrix Resurrections.
Powered by the Zilog Z80 processor and supported by the massive Radio Shack ecosystem of the era, the TRS-80 Model 3 remains an iconic example of early personal computing history. For retro computing enthusiasts, vintage computer collectors, and fans of classic Radio Shack hardware, the TRS-80 Model 3 represents an important chapter in the rise of affordable home computing during the 1980s.