When we think of tech giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung, we often overlook the lesser-known players in the industry. Tandy is one such company that had its moment in the sun with the TRS-80 Pocket Computer, sold exclusively through Radio Shack. In the early 1980s, these portable personal computers were seen as cutting-edge technology, paving the way for the devices we now take for granted.
Popular Science captured the excitement of the era with a cover story in November 1980, highlighting the rise of hand-held computers. The TRS-80 was a part of this wave of innovation, offering users the freedom of computing on the go.
Tandy, the company behind the TRS-80 Pocket Computer, had humble beginnings as a leather goods retailer before venturing into the tech industry. With the acquisition of Radio Shack in 1962, Tandy found its footing in the personal computing market. By 1977, Tandy was a major player, rivaling the likes of Apple with its TRS-80 desktop computer and a vast retail network through Radio Shack.
Despite its initial success, Tandy’s fortunes waned over time. In a twist of fate, the TRS-80 Pocket Computer, once a symbol of innovation, became a relic of the past. Our latest Popular Science video delves into the rise and fall of Tandy, exploring the challenges that led to its eventual decline.
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