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TRS-80 Color Computer 3

26-3334 · 1986–1991 · desktop

Specifications

Cpu: Motorola 6809E, 0.89 MHz (software-switchable to 1.78 MHz, used by OS-9 and some software)
Ram: max: 512 KB via third-party memory boards using the GIME chip's extended addressing · base: 128 KB
Ports: Cassette in/out · RF (channel 3/4) TV output · Composite video output · 2x joystick ports (analog) · Program Pak cartridge slot · Expansion/bus connector (Multi-Pak Interface)
Display: New GIME (Graphics Interrupt Memory Enhancement) chip in place of the CoCo 1/2's VDG: 320x192 (16 colors), 640x192 (4 colors), and 640x225 (2 colors) modes, composite video output
Storage: base: Cassette tape via the built-in cassette port (no internal storage) · options: 5.25" floppy disk drive(s) via the Disk Extended Color BASIC controller cartridge
Os Support: latest: OS-9 Level II (Microware, multitasking Unix-like OS) was the community's OS of choice, taking full advantage of the GIME chip and 512 KB memory boards · shipped: Extended Color BASIC in ROM
Release Price: $219.95 (128 KB configuration, 1986)

Upgrade paths

RAM

512 KB via third-party memory expansion boards addressing the GIME chip's extended memory map · The CoCo 3's own motherboard shipped with 128 KB, but the GIME chip could address far more, so the community's 512 KB boards became a standard OS-9 upgrade.

~$60-100 for a third-party board at the time

MODERATE

storage

Up to 4 external 5.25" floppy drives via the Disk Extended Color BASIC controller cartridge · Same Program Pak-based disk controller as the CoCo 1/2, still usable on the CoCo 3.

~$400 for a drive and controller cartridge

MODERATE

other

Multi-Pak Interface to run several Program Pak cartridges simultaneously · Carried over from the CoCo 1/2 era; still the standard way to run a disk controller alongside other cartridges.

~$99 at the time

EASY