Computer History: 1987 Tandy 1400LT (A Hidden Gem)
34Computer history video about this seemingly uninteresting vintage portable computer from 1987, produced and sold by Tandy: The Tandy 1400LT.
While not special at first time, once you start looking at the specification, build quality and features you will see why we dedicate an episode to it.
It features a 8086 compatible processor (the NEC V20) which by 1987 was supposed to be fairly old (since Intel already released the 80386 that more features - like 32bit support, protected mode - and was faster - about 20-30x - than the original 8088. However the NEC V20 is not an 8086 but rather an 80186 and it can run in the Tandy up to 7.16 Mhz. That means that we are now in the territory of a 80286 processor!
The Tandy 1400LT also comes with a fast math coprocessor installed: 8087 running at 8Mhz! That is fairly rare for any computer at the time, let alone for portables.
It also featured a CGA compatible graphics card, an internal 1200 baud modem as well as 4 hour battery time!
Contents:
00:05 Introduction
01:07 Perspective
02:09 A hidden gem
08:05 Turn it on
11:38 Conclusion