PC-3k mini-FAQ (6 kb) 
PC-3k FAQ (90 kb) 
Mark's PC3k site 
Adam's FTP site  
Sven Utke's PC3k site
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Introduction

The Sharp PC-3000 and PC-3100 (PC-3k) are small 8086-class palmtop computers running DOS 3.3 in ROM, with 1 or 2 MB RAM, CGA LCD screen, 2 PCMCIA type 1 slots, serial and parallel ports, with optional external printer. The machine is also capable of running GEOS 1.x and Windows 3.0, both of which provide a graphical user interface and the capability to run DOS programs as well.

Sharp introduced the product to the market in 1991 following the success of the Poqet PC. Faced with competition from the HP-95LX and possibly other reasons, Sharp withdrew from the market in early 1993. At the time of its market withdrawal, the unit was selling for about $1000, though liquidations by some vendors led to prices of $300-350. At the time of writing of this mini-FAQ, a number of PC-3000 units were still available from Marketron, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The unit enjoyed continued popularity in Britain and Canada, but may not have been as well-known in the US or elsewhere. One of the primary reasons for its choice by purchasers was its keyboard, possibly the best of any small palmtop, allowing for fairly rapid touch typing.

Pictures of the PC3k (500 kb)

Sharp Service Manual

Here is a copy of the original Sharp technical Service Manual for the PC-3000 and PC-3100.

1. Chapter 1: Outline of the PC-3000 (5.1 MB)
2. Chapter 2: Disassembly and assembly (1.3 MB)
3. Chapter 3: System block diagram (3.3 MB)
4. Chapter 4: Hardware description (30.4 MB)
5. Chapter 5: LCD (9.1 MB)
6. Chapter 6: Power supply circuit (13.9 MB)
7. Chapter 7: Keyboard (4.6 MB)
8. Chapter 8: 3.5 inch FDD unit (CD-301F) (14.6 MB)
9. Chapter 9: Description of LSIs (33.6 MB)
10. : Diagnostic (9.0 MB)
11. : Options (4.5 MB)
12. Circuit diagrams and PWB layout (32.7 MB)

Minix for the PC3k

Mike Kopplin has compiled a version of minix, a small linux-like operating system, for the Sharp PC3k. Mike normally uses an HP-200 LX, so don't ask him any technical questions about the PC3k. You can download a copy of DOSMinix and load it onto your PC3k. Your main objective in doing this should be to learn about minix and linux, not to do useful work with this.

For corrections or changes, contact: stewart@midwinter.ca

PC-3k FAQ | PC-3k mini-FAQ | Mark's site | Adam's FTP site"