Type, Precision, Input mode | Scientific, 10 BCD digits, exponent ±99,
Algebraic. The command DEFDBL switches to double precision in RUN mode. This mode offers 20 digits of precision. The exponent range is still ±99. |
Programmable | Yes, BASIC interpreter. The unit is pretty fast
and outperforms even the HP-28S but not the HP-48G or HP-49G. |
Performance Index | 72, both PC-E500 and PC-E500S |
Memory | PC-E500: 128kB (normally only 32kB). Note that
this RAM
has
been added internally so that the card slot is still available. PC-E500S: 256kB internal RAM (normally only 32kB). The card slot is still available. 256 kByte system ROM. Permanent memory. |
Display | 40x4 digits 5x7 pixel (200x28 pixel total) black & white LCD with separate contrast adjustment knob on the right side of the unit. |
Processor |
Sharp SC-62015, ESR-L, 8-bit, 2.304 MHz |
Special features | PC-E500: Graphics display, 4 lines of text, 40
characters
wide (28x200 pixel). PC-E500S: Graphics display, 4 lines of text, 40 characters wide (32x240 pixel). Listing of commands printed inside the lid. PC interface cable. Two expansion ports. |
Original Pricing, Production | Unknown, around 1989, other sources mention
introduction in 1991. PC-E500S produced until 2003 or later (170€ with 512kB RAM, 140€ with 32kB RAM) In Nov 2003 the price for a 32kB PC-E500S was approx. 129 Euro and for 256kB 169 Euro. |
Batteries | 4x AAA plus 1 button size cell for backup |
Dimensions | PC-E500: Length 9.9cm, Width 19.9cm, Height 1.5cm PC-E500S: Length 10.5cm, Width 22cm, Height 1.9cm |
Links | Pockecom
Journal. (Andrew Wood) Sharp calculator manuals. Win32 emulator. Thomas Gschwind's page. Daisuke Mizobata (Japanese) IT-Pulse. Short Manual. Simon Lehrmayr's Sharp Pages. Johannes Heimansberg's homepage. Silrun Systems: Many programs and scanned manuals. PC-E500S Basics. Various links to other resources on the Web. Sharp Taschencomputer Modell PC-E500 Bedienungsaleitung (PDF, German, 372 pages, 1989) |
Comment | The PC-E500 is rather fast and its graphical
display makes entering BASIC programs pretty comfortable. It was later replaced by the PC-E500S. It is rather tricky to find out about the available memory. Use FRE0 and FRE1 to get the free space for programs and variables. Use INIT "E:" to clear all the files from the RAM disk, then DSKF "E:" to see the free space on the RAM disk. For the PC-E500S FRE0 returns 52886 and DSKF "E:" returns 201216, in total 254102 bytes. So 8042 bytes are used internally. Files can hold programs or data. The PC-E500 comes with a sliding cover lid that can be put on the back of the unit while working with it. The PC-E500S is equipped with a hinged cover that can be removed. The keyboard layouts are identical. |
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