February 8, 1990 RADIO SHACK INTRODUCES FIRST 80286-BASED TANDY LAPTOP COMPUTER NEW YORK -- Radio Shack, a leading retailer of PC-compatible computers and the nation's largest consumer electronics retailer, introduced today the powerful Tandy 2800 HD laptop computer. The 2800 HD is the first Tandy-labeled, 80286-based laptop computer. It is also the first laptop computer manufactured by Tandy in Fort Worth, Texas. The 2800 HD provides power, performance and portability at an affordable price. It is ideal for users who travel frequently and need the performance of an 80C286 microprocessor, operating at selectable clock speeds of 12 or 6 megahertz (MHz). The 2800 HD, in its "executive black" case with built-in carry handle, can also serve as a desktop system that can be easily carried to and from virtually any location. The 2800 HD's key features are a 9.125" x 8.625" full-size, backlit, EGA-compatible liquid crystal display with 640 x 400 resolution; an enhanced 84-key keyboard with true 101-key emulation mode and a standard keyboard 3.5 millimeter key stroke; and, the ability to exchange batteries without turning the system off. The 2800 HD's storage capacity consists of one megabyte (MB) of nternal memory, expandable to 2MB; an internal 20MB hard disk drive; and, one 3.5-inch 1.44MB floppy disk drive. Tandy's popular DeskMate Version 3.3 productivity software and the MS-DOS Version 3.3 operating system are factory-installed on the hard drive. The 2800 HD has a replaceable, rechargeable lead acid battery that provides up to two hours of computing power. The battery can be charged inside or outside of the system. An external battery charger is also included. Additional features of the 2800 HD are a bidirectional parallel port; a serial communications port; connections for an external EGA monitor and 101-key keyboard; an internal modem slot; an 80C287 coprocessor slot; and, a carrying handle. Weighing less than 12.5 pounds (with battery), the 2800 HD has a clamshell design with a footprint that measures 3.125" x 12.25" x 14.25" (HxWxD). Available options include an internal 2400 bits per second (bps) modem, $199.95; 1MB memory upgrade, $399.95; replacement battery, $49.95; and, a choice of durable carrying cases. The suggested retail price of the Tandy 2800 HD laptop computer is $3,499.