Using a microprocessor and semiconductor random access memory, it implemented the basic features of the earlier Hazeltine 2000 in a much smaller and less expensive system, less than half the price.

It came to market just as the microcomputer revolution was taking off, and the 1500 was very popular among early hobbyist users.

It added a VT52 emulation mode, separate cursor keys, and graphics characters.

[2] Like earlier models in the Hazeltine line, the 1500 supported both an RS-232 interface, with speeds from 110 up to 19,200 bit/s, as well as a 20 mA current loop, used by teletype systems and still common due to the widespread use of Teletype Model 33 as ad hoc terminals.

[5] Simple one-letter commands following the lead-in included DC2 for cursor-to-home (upper left corner of the screen), FF for up-cursor, VT (vertical tab) for down-cursor, BS (backspace) for cursor-left and DLE for cursor-right, and FS (form separator) for clear screen.

The advantage of adding 32 to the value is that it shifts it into the printable character range, which is more likely to work on all serial links.

[12] Sending CAN cleared to the end of the screen like ETB, but filled it with foreground spaces.

When the user presses the SEND key, all data in the foreground is sent to the host in a single stream.

Bit 0 now indicated if the print buffer was empty, and 1 whether or not the printer was in online mode (echoing everything from the host).

[11] The 1520 included a printer buffer able to hold one screen of data, added a selection of commands to control it, and a PRINT key to turn it on and off manually.

Pressing the PRINT key, or sending ~RS from the host, would dump the current screen to the printer.

[17] The 1500 model famously appears on the cover of Kraftwerk's 1981 album Computer World.

The 1500 model also appeared in the videos for Stereolab songs Miss Modular[18] and Fluorescences.