Sharp PC-1100, a very BASIC Pocket Computer trying to be a PDA

Well, hello there.

Hello fine folks! I have some content! New content!
Pictured here is a new addition to my collection; the Sharp PC-1100 aka EL-6300. It's a combination Pocket Computer/calculator/database.

CPU	Hitachi SC61720D10 4 Bit, 1024 MHz
RAM	2,4 or 8KB (Via Card)
ROM	Unknown
Year released	1985
Display	2-Line, 16 Char.5x7 dot LCD
Power	2xCR2032 (Unit) 1 CR1616 (RAM card)
BASIC	Sharp S’Basic (reduced functionality)
Keyboard	72 key membrane/rubber domed keyboard
I/O	Sharp proprietary 11 pin interface

Sporting a clamshell case, the top half hosts the two-line LCD display, the mode selector, power button, the numerical keypad and the keys for database functionality. It takes a lot of its design from the run-time Pocket Computers like the PC-1270. 

The bottom half is where your membrane keyboard sits. Typing on that keyboard is better than I expected, or at least better than the PC-1246S or 1248. Programming in BASIC will require a bit more flexibility as the PC-1100 comes with an extremely reduced BASIC command set.

We're talking absolute bare minimum here. No PEEK, POKE, CALL. No BEEP, so no need for a piezo buzzer, although the case has a spot for one. Despite the 2 x 16-character display, there is no CURSOR command like the 1260 series has. Hell, even LIST doesn't work (although LLIST does), you just use the cursor keys for program navigation/editing. The entire BASIC command section of the instruction manual takes only 5 pages of the 65 page manual. Standard Sharp BASIC abbreviations work & labels are supported.

Supported BASIC commands:

• CLEAR
• END
• FOR-TO-STEP-NEXT
• GOSUB-RETURN
  
• GOTO
• IF-THEN
• INPUT
• LET (!)
• NEW
  
• PASS
• PRINT
• RUN
• USING
• LLIST
• LPRINT
• CLOAD
• CSAVE

Functions included are:

• EXP
• INT
• LN
• LOG
• MEM
• ^ (Y^x)

RAM is provided via standard CE-21xM cards (2, 4 or 8KB), held in by the cheapest plastic cover I've ever seen on a Sharp Pocket. Data permanence is achieved via the Sharp 11 pin connector. Attach a CE-126P printer & a tape recorder and LPRINT/CSAVE/CLOAD away!

RAM is expandable

Saving database entries to tape is strange and involves using the recessed "in" and "out" buttons on the top half of the unit.

The PC-1100 was produced with focus on the database aspect of the unit. Along with a rudimetary telephone directory, there is an extremely basic scheduler and a memo app. Since this doesn't have any kind of clock or calendar built in, you'll have to keep track of those appointments yourself, because you aren't getting any kind of notification from the PC-1211. Phone entries are limited to name and number, the scheduler allows you to input Month and Day and a short note, Memos can be up to 80 characters per line. 

Line breaks are inserted using the dedicated linebreak key next to the enter key. 

Give me a break, man

When disassembling the unit, you'll notice Sharp used 8 different screw types, although you'll only have to keep 7 types sorted, as the 2 outer screws holding the keyboard in place don't need to be removed. 

Quite a few different screw types you've got there, sonny.

Keep track of the rubber reset button and the zebra connectors for RAM and the keyboard. You don't want to lose those, trust me on that.

These are important!

The PC-1100 is driven by a 4-bit Sharp 61720 CPU, the same CPU that also ticks in other budget Sharp units such as the PC-1430/31, the 1246(S)/1247 or PC-1248.

Taking a look inside

This is incidentally the most disgusting Pocket Computer I've ever had the displeasure of opening. It was filled to the brim with what I assume are the dead bodies of cockroach nymphs. This explains the buggy behavior the unit exhibited when I first powered it on ;)

Now that it's been scrubbed & disinfected, all works as it should.

This model might be somewhat boring if you're used to Sharp's other offerings, but all in all, it's a nice addition to any Pocket Computer collection if you can find one.

I didn't find much of any information on this unit besides the very sparse operating manual in German & English. If anyone happens to have a service manual or any advanced information, I'd really appreciate if you sent it my way. Thanks!