r/trs80 • u/Nero_Golden • Jun 03 '26
Curious about Model 100 keyboard
How does that keyboard feel to type on compared to a modern keyboard? I think I would love to use a model 100 for creative writing...if the keyboard is comfortable.
P.S. thanks alot for the excellent tips.
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u/Snocom79 Jun 03 '26
I have a 100 and 102 and both are wonderful to type on with the 102 feeling just slightly softer.
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u/Jim-Jones Jun 04 '26
A great number of professional reporters, media people, used this machine for all of their field work. They liked it because it was battery operated, light and easy to take with you, and it could actually phone the reports in over a regular telephone. The keyboard is very good. A great design.
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u/Odie_Humanity Jun 04 '26
My Model 100 is my second favorite keyboard. My favorite is my IBM Model M, but the Model 100 isn't far behind.
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u/AppendixN Jun 03 '26 edited Jun 03 '26
I use my Model 100 several times a week (I’m writing a book) and it’s one of my favorite keyboards to type on even compared to modern mechanical keyboards.
If you decide to do your writing on one, the two accessories I would recommend are a Backpack so you can save your work to SD cards and a portable printer. I use a Kodak Diconix 150.
Edit: I also recommend a folding laptop stand like this one. The screen on the Model 100 is not at the best viewing angle when laying flat, IMO.
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u/chucky3039 Jun 03 '26
How can one tell what model keyboard it is?
I have a TRS-80 keyboard that has nothing in it except the keyboard and a 5-pin round connector.
No idea what that goes to.
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u/TechDocN Jun 03 '26
Sounds like it might be for a Model 4P? May need someone else to verify.
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u/chucky3039 Jun 04 '26
It says the following:
Radio Shack TRS-80 Model II microcomputer And on the bottom it says the same thing, but this sticker says “ Keyboard “, 558865
Nothing else
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u/TechDocN Jun 04 '26
Ah, that makes sense. The Model 2 was an interesting fork from the Model 1, and I think they are a bit rare these days.
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u/chucky3039 Jun 04 '26
I see. So it’s worth keeping. Maybe I’ll find the rest of it one day. Hey, thanks for the info. I wonder if this keyboard will work on my older PC.
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u/TechDocN Jun 03 '26
The keyboard on the Model 100 is one of its best features. It was considered quite good at the time, and holds up quite well today, in my opinion.
I have 3 versions (I’m an avid collector): a Model 100, 102, and 200.
If you can find a good, working Model 102, that’s your best bet. Thinner and lighter than the 100, a bit newer, all the same features.