[1][2][3] It employed a clamshell design in which the display closes over the keyboard, like the earlier GRiD Compass and contemporary Gavilan SC.

The cartridge slots also accepted ROM cartridges containing software, such as the Extended BASIC programming language and the EasyPac software suite, which contained the EasyWrite II word processor, EasyReport reports program, and EasyComm terminal software for use with the internal modem.

It featured a 640×80-pixel (80-character by 8-line) LCD display, a full-travel keyboard, and an external dual 5.25-inch floppy disk drive.

A notable feature of the computer was its built-in thermal printer, which could also be purchased separately and attached to the machine.

It is perhaps due to this attachment that the case design of the PC-5000 owes much to that of electronic typewriters of its time.