It was slightly wider, and the keys are slightly larger than the previous model. The display had more contrast, and the keyboard cover is a (removable) hinged lid (clamshell) instead of plastic slipcase. There were also four additional BASIC commands (Multiline IF ... ENDIF, WHILE ... WEND, REPEAT ... UNTIL, SWITCH ... CASE ... ENDSWITCH)[1]
It came with 32 KB of RAM which could be upgraded to 96 KB using memory expansion cards. The monochrome LCD had 240×32 pixels which could display four lines with 40 characters per line as well as graphics. The 256 KB system ROM that contained the BIOS, a diagnostic suite,[2] and the BASICinterpreter used to program the device.
An algebraic calculation system was included. The Algebraic Expression Reserve (AER) memory: Frequently used formulas or constants could be stored in memory and recalled for repeated use. The PC-E500 series also performed as a scientific calculator when switched into 'CAL' mode.
It also included an X<>Y exchange key for working with complex numbers and polar to rectangular conversions.
In addition things like amino acids and the periodic table of elements were available. These built-in programs were accessed through a menu system and special function keys. There was also a built-in menu editor to add new software to the menus or indeed replace some built-in software or formulas.
Operating modes
BASIC (programming and execution)
CAL (scientific calculator)
MATRIX (matrices calculations)
STAT (statistics)
ENG (engineering)
AER (algebraic expressions editor). This mode can be accessed from the second main menu page (press up/down arrow near the lower left display corner).
Accuracy
10 digits (mantissa) + 2 digits (exponent) in single-precision mode.
20 digits (mantissa) + 2 digits (exponent) in double-precision mode.
In the CAL, MATRIX and STAT modes, only the single precision mode can be used.
Memory expansion
The Sharp PC-E500 series could store data and programs on memory expansion cards as well as the main RAM. Six cards were available:
CE-210M: 2 KB
CE-211M: 4 KB
CE-212M: 8 KB
CE-2H16M: 16 KB
CE-2H32M: 32 KB
CE-2H64M: 64 KB
These cards used a CR1616 lithium battery for memory backup.
The memory configuration was software-switchable from the command-line. The RAM card could be appended to the system memory, replace the system memory or act as a separate space to be used as a RAM drive (F:). The main memory could also be partitioned off to a RAM drive (E:).
The PC-E500S had a weight of 340 g (with batteries) and was powered by four AAA batteries. It could, given its power consumption of 0.09 W, be used for about 70 hours on a charge.[3]
