[gp2000]

It really was a term of derision. Sure, some may have used it affectionately and even more might do so now, but by and large it wasn't used in kindness.

To cite a reference, the first issue of "80 Microcomputing", a magazine dedicated to the TRS-80 line of computers. See the second paragraph of Wayne Green's editorial "80 Remarks" on page 8:

https://archive.org/details/80-microcomputing-magazine-1980-...

[mkovach]

We'll agree to disagree then, but remember nothing is set in stone. That is an article from 1980.

I spent 10 years working at Radio Shack, and the TRS was typically referred to as 'trash' but more people I spoke with.

Of course then, plenty of people working for the company could have been opening trashing it in front of corporate.