Sharp MZ‑80B: The Underrated Business Computer of the 1980s

A Computer for the Office – and Far Beyond

The Sharp MZ‑80B was launched in 1981 and was designed from the start as a complete solution for professional use. With its sturdy metal casing, integrated screen, and full keyboard, it appeared high-quality and trustworthy. But it was not just the exterior; the device also had a lot to offer technically.

Technology that Impresses

Inside the Sharp MZ‑80B, a Z80A-compatible processor operates at a clock speed of 4 MHz. The standard memory was 32 KiB but could be expanded to up to 64 KiB – a solid foundation at the time for applications like word processing, office software, or simple programming tasks.

The integrated 9-inch monochrome screen displayed either 40 or 80 characters per line with 25 lines, depending on the setting. For those wanting more, the device could be supplemented with an optional graphics expansion, allowing a resolution of 320×200 pixels. This made the MZ‑80B interesting for technically oriented applications, such as visualization or scientific representation.

For data storage, the computer used a built-in cassette drive with a remarkably fast transfer rate of 1800 baud for the time. For more professional requirements, external 5.25-inch floppy drives could also be connected. This made it possible to use operating systems like CP/M, further enhancing the MZ‑80B.

Particularly interesting was the modular software concept. Sharp deliberately avoided a built-in operating system. Instead, the computer started with a so-called Initial Program Loader, through which a BASIC interpreter, an assembler, or an operating system could be loaded from cassette or diskette as needed. Although this approach was somewhat more cumbersome, it offered maximum flexibility and control for advanced users.

In terms of expandability, the Sharp MZ‑80B also showed its best side. Thanks to numerous ports, the device could be flexibly adapted to various requirements. With interfaces like RS-232 for serial communication, Centronics for printers, or IEEE-488 for connecting scientific measuring devices, the computer could easily be integrated into professional work environments. External drives, additional memory modules, and expansion cards made the system particularly versatile. This was a great advantage, especially for technical offices, laboratories, or educational institutions.

However, the MZ‑80B was not a cheap device. In the UK, the price for the basic model with 64 KiB RAM was over 1000 pounds. Those wanting a complete setup with two floppy drives, monitor, printer and CP/M had to expect to pay over 2300 pounds. However, for this price, one received an extremely robust and reliable system that left little to be desired in everyday use. A British reviewer at the time described it as the "Volvo among micros" – solid, powerful and built to last.

Today, the MZ‑80B appears as a technical statement from a bygone era. It reminds us of a time when computers were not just tools but expressions of engineering art. In the collection of the Enter Technikwelt Solothurn, it occupies a special place. The device exemplifies a generation of computers that consciously focused on expandability, durability, and user responsibility – far removed from today's plug-and-play approach.

Anyone interested in the history of computing should definitely experience the Sharp MZ‑80B live. In our exhibition, this fascinating piece of technological history can be viewed up close – not just as an exhibit but as part of a broader understanding of how our modern digital life has developed.