Computers & Business Machines

Imagine the loss, 100 years from now, if museums hadn't begun preserving the artifacts of the computer age. The last few decades offer proof positive of why museums must collect continuously—to document technological and social transformations already underway.

The museum's collections contain mainframes, minicomputers, microcomputers, and handheld devices. Computers range from the pioneering ENIAC to microcomputers like the Altair and the Apple I. A Cray2 supercomputer is part of the collections, along with one of the towers of IBM's Deep Blue, the computer that defeated reigning champion Garry Kasparov in a chess match in 1997. Computer components and peripherals, games, software, manuals, and other documents are part of the collections. Some of the instruments of business include adding machines, calculators, typewriters, dictating machines, fax machines, cash registers, and photocopiers

This example of "Sargon II Chess," a computer game on cartridge by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, is in its original box.Currently not on view
Description
This example of "Sargon II Chess," a computer game on cartridge by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, is in its original box.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.43
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.43
This example of "Super Expander," a computer game on cartridge by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, is in its original box.Currently not on view
Description
This example of "Super Expander," a computer game on cartridge by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, is in its original box.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.44
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.44
"Robert Carrier's Menu Planner," made for the VIC-20 microcomputer by Commodore and Ivan Berg Software, Ltd., consists of two cassettes and an instruction booklet in their original box.Currently not on view
Description
"Robert Carrier's Menu Planner," made for the VIC-20 microcomputer by Commodore and Ivan Berg Software, Ltd., consists of two cassettes and an instruction booklet in their original box.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1982
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
Ivan Berg Software
ID Number
1987.0249.25
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.25
"Quizmaster," a computer game by Commodore sold for the VIC-20, consists of one cartridge in its original box.Currently not on view
Description
"Quizmaster," a computer game by Commodore sold for the VIC-20, consists of one cartridge in its original box.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
Ivan Berg Software
ID Number
1987.0249.35
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.35
"Home Babysitter," a computer game by Commodore sold for the VIC-20, consists of one cartridge in its original box.Currently not on view
Description
"Home Babysitter," a computer game by Commodore sold for the VIC-20, consists of one cartridge in its original box.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1982
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.34
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.34
This group of five educational computer programs was developed for the Commodore 64 during the 1980s.
Description
This group of five educational computer programs was developed for the Commodore 64 during the 1980s. Each program has its original box, the 5 ¼” software diskettes, and the user manual.
Word Shuttle
This word processing program was released in 1985 and included a 42-page user guide and two keyboard overlays. Word Shuttle was the official word processor of the Young Astronaut Program which operated between 1984 and 2004. The objective of this international educational curriculum was to promote greater interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through space-themed activities, experiments, and conferences.
Sky Travel
This astronomy program, designed for persons ages 12 and up, was released in 1984 and included a 138-page manual. It provided an interactive guided tour of the universe—in the past, present, and future. The universe model could show the location of more than 1,200 stars, 88 constellations, 8 planets, deep sky objects, and the (then) future appearance (1986) of Halley’s comet. The program had four basic modes: map, set, sky, and chart. Map was used to select the location on Earth; month, day, year, and time were determined in set; optional displays were chosen in sky; and chart was used to project the sky on a celestial sphere with coordinate lines for creating, viewing, and printing your own star charts.
JUST IMAGINE…
This creative writing program, released in 1984 for individuals of all ages, included a 20-page manual. The user could create colorful animated stories by selecting up to three animated characters from the twenty-five provided, choosing one of nine backgrounds, and a few of the 48 stationary objects. The author then wrote a story to match the selected graphics. While different parts of the program loaded it displayed random trivia facts from the 300 stored on the diskette. The story could be played back and saved to diskette. The introduction in the manual states that “JUST IMAGINE… is another example of Commodore’s commitment to excellence-in-education through technology.”
Reading Professor
This reading program, released in 1984, was designed to teach reading skills to high school-age students as well as adults. Included with the two software diskettes was a 40-page user guide. The program provided a series of ten 20-minute lessons to increase reading speed and improve comprehension by presenting specific techniques for eliminating bad reading habits and developing new skills. It has a library of reading materials with three reading levels--High School, College and Adult, and Professional. Each level contains thirty-two reading selections. The program used seven types of exercises to monitor and log progress and success.
Typing Professor
This typing program, released in 1984 for individuals ages 12 and up, included a 20-page manual, two cassettes for use with a Commodore 16, and a diskette for use with either a Commodore 64 or Commodore Plus/4.
Students could learn the basics of touch typing or learn to improve their typing speed. The program had 19 exercises which increased in difficulty. Each exercise contained a score chart that calculated and recorded the number of errors, error rate, and typing speed. The exercises were timed and the student could not exceed the acceptable error rate before beginning the next exercise. The allowed error rate started at 4% for lesson 1 and decreased to 1% for lessons 16-19. The goal for lesson 19 was 35 words per minute with a less than 1% error rate.
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
2006.0132.28.02
catalog number
2006.0132.28.02
accession number
2006.0132
This microcomputer, manufactured by Commodore, has serial number V045518.
Description
This microcomputer, manufactured by Commodore, has serial number V045518. It consists of a CPU / keyboard, power supply box, RF
modulator, video cable, another small metal box with cable
(function unknown, but may be the switchbox), another cable
(function unknown) and the operating manual. All are contained in
the original box.
The CPU / keyboard is in a rectangular, plastic housing, cream
colored with brown and tan keys.
The donor dated the object to 1979, Williams's article would suggest a later date.
References:
Bruce Makoto Arnold, “Twenty-Two Columns of Lowbrow Revolution: The Commodore VIC-20 and the Beginning of the Home Computer Era,” Journal in Humanities, 2017, vol. 6 #1, pp. 11-20.
Gregg Williams, "The Commodore VIC 20 Microcomputer: A Low-Cost, High-Performance Consumer Computer," Byte, May, 1981, vol. 6 #5, pp. 46-64.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1979-1981
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.02
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.02
In 1977, Commodore introduced the PET (Personal Electronic Transactor) home/personal computer. Appearing before either the Apple II or the Radio Shack TRS-80, it was among the first personal computers.
Description
In 1977, Commodore introduced the PET (Personal Electronic Transactor) home/personal computer. Appearing before either the Apple II or the Radio Shack TRS-80, it was among the first personal computers. The PET 2001, Commodore's first model, included four kilobytes of memory, cost $495, and was fully functional out the box. The computer sold well, but initially Commodore could produce only a meager thirty units a day.
The PET had a main board with a 1 MHz MOS 6502 processor and room for additional RAM. The machine included a built-in cassette on the front of the case for data storage. Users could write their own programs in BASIC, but many complained about the small keyboard, which made touch typing difficult. The screen of the PET computer was small (9"), and had a black or blue display. Users could design simple graphics, do animations, or work out math problems. A notable feature of the PET 2001 was that the top of the computer opened for maintenance like the hood of a car.
PET 2001 was designed by computer pioneer Chuck Peddle. He came to Commodore during the company's acquisition of MOS Technology in 1976. AT MOS, he had designed the KIM (Keyboard Input Monitor) computer. At Commodore, he convinced managers that computers were "in" and won approval to design the PET. It paved the way for later Commodore machines, such as the Commodore-64.
This particular PET 2001 was donated by Louis Mittleman, who noted not only that the keyboard was a serious "drawback," but also that the manual did not have much information.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
ca 1977
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1985.0591.01
catalog number
1985.0591.01
accession number
1985.0591
serial number
0011716
This group of five educational computer programs was developed for the Commodore 64 during the 1980s.
Description
This group of five educational computer programs was developed for the Commodore 64 during the 1980s. Each program has its original box, the 5 ¼” software diskettes, and the user manual.
Word Shuttle
This word processing program was released in 1985 and included a 42-page user guide and two keyboard overlays. Word Shuttle was the official word processor of the Young Astronaut Program which operated between 1984 and 2004. The objective of this international educational curriculum was to promote greater interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through space-themed activities, experiments, and conferences.
Sky Travel
This astronomy program, designed for persons ages 12 and up, was released in 1984 and included a 138-page manual. It provided an interactive guided tour of the universe—in the past, present, and future. The universe model could show the location of more than 1,200 stars, 88 constellations, 8 planets, deep sky objects, and the (then) future appearance (1986) of Halley’s comet. The program had four basic modes: map, set, sky, and chart. Map was used to select the location on Earth; month, day, year, and time were determined in set; optional displays were chosen in sky; and chart was used to project the sky on a celestial sphere with coordinate lines for creating, viewing, and printing your own star charts.
JUST IMAGINE…
This creative writing program, released in 1984 for individuals of all ages, included a 20-page manual. The user could create colorful animated stories by selecting up to three animated characters from the twenty-five provided, choosing one of nine backgrounds, and a few of the 48 stationary objects. The author then wrote a story to match the selected graphics. While different parts of the program loaded it displayed random trivia facts from the 300 stored on the diskette. The story could be played back and saved to diskette. The introduction in the manual states that “JUST IMAGINE… is another example of Commodore’s commitment to excellence-in-education through technology.”
Reading Professor
This reading program, released in 1984, was designed to teach reading skills to high school-age students as well as adults. Included with the two software diskettes was a 40-page user guide. The program provided a series of ten 20-minute lessons to increase reading speed and improve comprehension by presenting specific techniques for eliminating bad reading habits and developing new skills. It has a library of reading materials with three reading levels--High School, College and Adult, and Professional. Each level contians thirty-two reading selections. The program used seven types of exercises to monitor and log progress and success.
Typing Professor
This typing program, released in 1984 for individuals ages 12 and up, included a 20-page manual, two cassettes for use with a Commodore 16, and a diskette for use with either a Commodore 64 or Commodore Plus/4.
Students could learn the basics of touch typing or learn to improve their typing speed. The program had 19 exercises which increased in difficulty. Each exercise contained a score chart that calculated and recorded the number of errors, error rate, and typing speed. The exercises were timed and the student could not exceed the acceptable error rate before beginning the next exercise. The allowed error rate started at 4% for lesson 1 and decreased to 1% for lessons 16-19. The goal for lesson 19 was 35 words per minute with a less than 1% error rate.
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
2006.0132.28.03
catalog number
2006.0132.28.03
accession number
2006.0132
This group of five educational computer programs was developed for the Commodore 64 during the 1980s.
Description
This group of five educational computer programs was developed for the Commodore 64 during the 1980s. Each program has its original box, the 5 ¼” software diskettes, and the user manual.
Word Shuttle
This word processing program was released in 1985 and included a 42-page user guide and two keyboard overlays. Word Shuttle was the official word processor of the Young Astronaut Program which operated between 1984 and 2004. The objective of this international educational curriculum was to promote greater interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through space-themed activities, experiments, and conferences.
Sky Travel
This astronomy program, designed for persons ages 12 and up, was released in 1984 and included a 138-page manual. It provided an interactive guided tour of the universe—in the past, present, and future. The universe model could show the location of more than 1,200 stars, 88 constellations, 8 planets, deep sky objects, and the (then) future appearance (1986) of Halley’s comet. The program had four basic modes: map, set, sky, and chart. Map was used to select the location on Earth; month, day, year, and time were determined in set; optional displays were chosen in sky; and chart was used to project the sky on a celestial sphere with coordinate lines for creating, viewing, and printing your own star charts.
JUST IMAGINE…
This creative writing program, released in 1984 for individuals of all ages, included a 20-page manual. The user could create colorful animated stories by selecting up to three animated characters from the twenty-five provided, choosing one of nine backgrounds, and a few of the 48 stationary objects. The author then wrote a story to match the selected graphics. While different parts of the program loaded it displayed random trivia facts from the 300 stored on the diskette. The story could be played back and saved to diskette. The introduction in the manual states that “JUST IMAGINE… is another example of Commodore’s commitment to excellence-in-education through technology.”
Reading Professor
This reading program, released in 1984, was designed to teach reading skills to high school-age students as well as adults. Included with the two software diskettes was a 40-page user guide. The program provided a series of ten 20-minute lessons to increase reading speed and improve comprehension by presenting specific techniques for eliminating bad reading habits and developing new skills. It has a library of reading materials with three reading levels -- High School, College and Adult, and Professional. Each level includes thirty-two reading selections. The program used seven types of exercises to monitor and log progress and success.
Typing Professor
This typing program, released in 1984 for individuals ages 12 and up, included a 20-page manual, two cassettes for use with a Commodore 16, and a diskette for use with either a Commodore 64 or Commodore Plus/4.
Students could learn the basics of touch typing or learn to improve their typing speed. The program had 19 exercises which increased in difficulty. Each exercise contained a score chart that calculated and recorded the number of errors, error rate, and typing speed. The exercises were timed and the student could not exceed the acceptable error rate before beginning the next exercise. The allowed error rate started at 4% for lesson 1 and decreased to 1% for lessons 16-19. The goal for lesson 19 was 35 words per minute with a less than 1% error rate.
Date made
ca 1984
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
2006.0132.28.01
catalog number
2006.0132.28.01
accession number
2006.0132
This group of five educational computer programs was developed for the Commodore 64 during the 1980s.
Description
This group of five educational computer programs was developed for the Commodore 64 during the 1980s. Each program has its original box, the 5 ¼” software diskettes, and the user manual.
Word Shuttle
This word processing program was released in 1985 and included a 42-page user guide and two keyboard overlays. Word Shuttle was the official word processor of the Young Astronaut Program which operated between 1984 and 2004. The objective of this international educational curriculum was to promote greater interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through space-themed activities, experiments, and conferences.
Sky Travel
This astronomy program, designed for persons ages 12 and up, was released in 1984 and included a 138-page manual. It provided an interactive guided tour of the universe—in the past, present, and future. The universe model could show the location of more than 1,200 stars, 88 constellations, 8 planets, deep sky objects, and the (then) future appearance (1986) of Halley’s comet. The program had four basic modes: map, set, sky, and chart. Map was used to select the location on Earth; month, day, year, and time were determined in set; optional displays were chosen in sky; and chart was used to project the sky on a celestial sphere with coordinate lines for creating, viewing, and printing your own star charts.
JUST IMAGINE…
This creative writing program, released in 1984 for individuals of all ages, included a 20-page manual. The user could create colorful animated stories by selecting up to three animated characters from the twenty-five provided, choosing one of nine backgrounds, and a few of the 48 stationary objects. The author then wrote a story to match the selected graphics. While different parts of the program loaded it displayed random trivia facts from the 300 stored on the diskette. The story could be played back and saved to diskette. The introduction in the manual states that “JUST IMAGINE… is another example of Commodore’s commitment to excellence-in-education through technology.”
Reading Professor
This reading program, released in 1984, was designed to teach reading skills to high school-age students as well as adults. Included with the two software diskettes was a 40-page user guide. The program provided a series of ten 20-minute lessons to increase reading speed and improve comprehension by presenting specific techniques for eliminating bad reading habits and developing new skills. It has a library of reading materials with three reading levels--High School, College and Adult, and Professional. Each level contains thirty-two reading selections. The program used seven types of exercises to monitor and log progress and success.
Typing Professor
This typing program, released in 1984 for individuals ages 12 and up, included a 20-page manual, two cassettes for use with a Commodore 16, and a diskette for use with either a Commodore 64 or Commodore Plus/4.
Students could learn the basics of touch typing or learn to improve their typing speed. The program had 19 exercises which increased in difficulty. Each exercise contained a score chart that calculated and recorded the number of errors, error rate, and typing speed. The exercises were timed and the student could not exceed the acceptable error rate before beginning the next exercise. The allowed error rate started at 4% for lesson 1 and decreased to 1% for lessons 16-19. The goal for lesson 19 was 35 words per minute with a less than 1% error rate.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1984
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
2006.0132.28.04
catalog number
2006.0132.28.04
accession number
2006.0132
This group of five educational computer programs was developed for the Commodore 64 during the 1980s.
Description
This group of five educational computer programs was developed for the Commodore 64 during the 1980s. Each program has its original box, the 5 ¼” software diskettes, and the user manual.
Word Shuttle
This word processing program was released in 1985 and included a 42-page user guide and two keyboard overlays. Word Shuttle was the official word processor of the Young Astronaut Program which operated between 1984 and 2004. The objective of this international educational curriculum was to promote greater interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through space-themed activities, experiments, and conferences.
Sky Travel
This astronomy program, designed for persons ages 12 and up, was released in 1984 and included a 138-page manual. It provided an interactive guided tour of the universe—in the past, present, and future. The universe model could show the location of more than 1,200 stars, 88 constellations, 8 planets, deep sky objects, and the (then) future appearance (1986) of Halley’s comet. The program had four basic modes: map, set, sky, and chart. Map was used to select the location on Earth; month, day, year, and time were determined in set; optional displays were chosen in sky; and chart was used to project the sky on a celestial sphere with coordinate lines for creating, viewing, and printing your own star charts.
JUST IMAGINE…
This creative writing program, released in 1984 for individuals of all ages, included a 20-page manual. The user could create colorful animated stories by selecting up to three animated characters from the twenty-five provided, choosing one of nine backgrounds, and a few of the 48 stationary objects. The author then wrote a story to match the selected graphics. While different parts of the program loaded it displayed random trivia facts from the 300 stored on the diskette. The story could be played back and saved to diskette. The introduction in the manual states that “JUST IMAGINE… is another example of Commodore’s commitment to excellence-in-education through technology.”
Reading Professor
This reading program, released in 1984, was designed to teach reading skills to high school-age students as well as adults. Included with the two software diskettes was a 40-page user guide. The program provided a series of ten 20-minute lessons to increase reading speed and improve comprehension by presenting specific techniques for eliminating bad reading habits and developing new skills. It has a library of reading materials with three reading levels--High School, College and Adult, and Professional. Each level contains thirty-two reading selections. The program used seven types of exercises to monitor and log progress and success.
Typing Professor
This typing program, released in 1984 for individuals ages 12 and up, included a 20-page manual, two cassettes for use with a Commodore 16, and a diskette for use with either a Commodore 64 or Commodore Plus/4.
Students could learn the basics of touch typing or learn to improve their typing speed. The program had 19 exercises which increased in difficulty. Each exercise contained a score chart that calculated and recorded the number of errors, error rate, and typing speed. The exercises were timed and the student could not exceed the acceptable error rate before beginning the next exercise. The allowed error rate started at 4% for lesson 1 and decreased to 1% for lessons 16-19. The goal for lesson 19 was 35 words per minute with a less than 1% error rate.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1984
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
2006.0132.28.05
catalog number
2006.0132.28.05
accession number
2006.0132
In 1987, Commodore introduced the Amiga 500, also known as the A500, as an inexpensive version of a 16 bit multimedia home computer.
Description
In 1987, Commodore introduced the Amiga 500, also known as the A500, as an inexpensive version of a 16 bit multimedia home computer. The goal was to provide a machine that would compete successfully against other 16 bit machines, just as the Commodore 64 had outsold many competitive 8 bit computers. The A500 did sell well against the Atari 520ST and was the low end successor of the Amiga 1000. This is the power supply sold with the computer. For more information, see 2001.0186.03.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
2001.0186.06
catalog number
2001.0186.06
accession number
2001.0186
In 1987, Commodore introduced the Amiga 500, also known as the A500, as an inexpensive version of a 16 bit multimedia home computer.
Description
In 1987, Commodore introduced the Amiga 500, also known as the A500, as an inexpensive version of a 16 bit multimedia home computer. The goal was to provide a machine that would compete successfully against other 16 bit machines, just as the Commodore 64 had outsold many competitive 8 bit computers. The A500 did sell well against the Atari 520ST and was the low end successor of the Amiga 1000.
The A500 used a Motorola 68000 microprocessor that ran at 7.14 MHz and had 256 KB of ROM and 512 KB of RAM, which was expandable to 9MB. The Amiga 500 used a special system for its RAM configuration. It had 512 KB of Chip RAM, which could be accessed by the sound and video custom chip, and FAST RAM, which could only be accessed only by the CPU.
The Amiga 500 was followed by the Amiga 500+. It doubled the amount of the A500s Chip RAM to 1 MB. Both versions could be connected to a TV set or to a video monitor. The A500 computers were the best selling in the Amiga series. Besides doing well in the United States, they also were popular in Europe. Many users favored the Amiga because, in addition to being inexpensive, it had excellent graphics and sound capability for a computer of its era.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1987
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
2001.0186.03
catalog number
2001.0186.03
accession number
2001.0186
This is the disk drive for the Amiga 500 home computer. For information about the computer, see 2001.0186.03.Currently not on view
Description
This is the disk drive for the Amiga 500 home computer. For information about the computer, see 2001.0186.03.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
Air Products
ID Number
2001.0186.04
catalog number
2001.0186.04
accession number
2001.0186
"Super Alien," a computer game by Commodore sold for the VIC-20 microcomputer, consists of one cartridge in its original box.Currently not on view
Description
"Super Alien," a computer game by Commodore sold for the VIC-20 microcomputer, consists of one cartridge in its original box.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1981
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.30
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.30
This example of "Tooth Invaders," a computer game on cartridge by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, is in its original box.Currently not on view
Description
This example of "Tooth Invaders," a computer game on cartridge by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, is in its original box.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.42
catalog number
1987.0249.42
accession number
1987.0249
"16K Memory Expander," this software on cartrdige by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, is in its original box.Currently not on view
Description
"16K Memory Expander," this software on cartrdige by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, is in its original box.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.45
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.45
"Home Inventory (VT1012)," by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, consists of one cassette in the original box with an instruction pamphlet.Currently not on view
Description
"Home Inventory (VT1012)," by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, consists of one cassette in the original box with an instruction pamphlet.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.54
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.54
"Know Your Own Personality," made for the VIC-20 by Commodore and Ivan Berg Software, Ltd., consists of two cassettes and an instructionbooklet in the original box.Currently not on view
Description
"Know Your Own Personality," made for the VIC-20 by Commodore and Ivan Berg Software, Ltd., consists of two cassettes and an instruction
booklet in the original box.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
Ivan Berg Software
ID Number
1987.0249.26
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.26
Assorted program listings for the Commodore VIC 20 microcomputer.The materials were received with a VIC 20 microcomputer, 1987.0249.02.Currently not on view
Description
Assorted program listings for the Commodore VIC 20 microcomputer.
The materials were received with a VIC 20 microcomputer, 1987.0249.02.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1985
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.3049.12
catalog number
1987.3049.12
nonaccession number
1987.3049
This handheld electronic calculator has a white case with black trim and metal keyboard, and an array of square black "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a white case with black trim and metal keyboard, and an array of square black "Klixon" keys. Such keys have a design trademarked by Texas Instruments and make a distinctive click when pressed. In addition to ten digit and one decimal point key, the calculator has four keys for arithmetic functions. One serves as a total key for addition, another as a difference key for subtraction. The top of the keyboard has a constant switch, a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The on/off switch is below the keyboard. The text next to it reads: commodore (/) Minuteman 2.
The eight-digit red LED display is behind the keyboard. A cord for recharging the battery attaches at the back of the top. (This example has no cord.)
The back has four plastic feet. A metal plate there gives operating instructions. Text near the bottom reads: COMMODORE (/) MODEL MM-2 SER. NO. R216527 (/) SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA (/) MADE IN U.S.A.
This was one of the first models of a handheld calculator sold by Commodore. It was manufactured by Bowmar/Ali and is similar to the Bowmar 901B.
Compare 1986.0988.099 (the Commodore Minuteman 1) and 1988.0988.129 (the Bowmar 901B).
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 57.
New York Times, December 19, 1972, p. 26. Advertisement indicates that the Minuteman 2 had a regular price of $179, sale price of $92.
New York Times, February 13, 1973, p. 6. Minuteman 2 has a regular price of $179 and a sale price of $79.
Los Angeles Times, February 22, 1974, P. A2 – Commodore MM2 calculator listed as on sale for $69.95, marked down from an original price of $99.50.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1972-1974
distributor
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.098
catalog number
1986.0988.098
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has a white case with black trim and metal keyboard, and an array of twenty-three oval plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys and one decimal point key, the calculator has four keys for arithmetic functions and a total key.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a white case with black trim and metal keyboard, and an array of twenty-three oval plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys and one decimal point key, the calculator has four keys for arithmetic functions and a total key. In addition there are four memory keys, a percentage key, an exchange key, and a clear key. The on/off switch is at the right on the top row of keys. Text above the keyboard reads: commodore.
The ten-digit red LED display is behind the keyboard. A cord for recharging the battery attaches at the back of the top. (This example has no cord.) The back of the case has no tag.
Unscrewing four screws in the back of the device allows one to open the case. A mark on the chip reads: LC1552B (/) 7411. This chip is associated with Western Digital.
Compare 1986.0988.100 and 1986.0988.128.
Reference:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 58.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974
distributor
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0988.208
catalog number
1986.0988.208
accession number
1986.0988
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of twenty-three oval plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, and exchange key, four memory keys, and a percentage key.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of twenty-three oval plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, and exchange key, four memory keys, and a percentage key. The on/off switch is to the right of the top keys.Text below the keyboard reads: commodore. Text below eight-digit green fluorescent display reads: CUSTOM (/) GREEN LINE. Above the display are lights for indicating when the memory is on and when the battery needs recharging. Text above these reads: GL 987R. An outlet for a power adapter is on the right side of the calculator.
Text on a sticker on the back cover reads in part: MODEL GL987R (/) Rechargeable Electronic Calculator. It includes explanation of the function keys. Additional text reads: Serial No. (/) 16342. Further text reads: Commodore Business Machines (/) Made in Japan.
The calculator has a black plastic sleeve with a metal snap.
Compare 1986.0988.127.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 57.
Chicago Tribune, November 30, 1975, p. 17. Advertised as on sale for $18.99. Original price $29.88. Eight-digit green fluorescent display.
Los Angeles Times, February 17, 1975, p. A10. “Price is the first problem out calculators solve for you.” GL987R advertised as on sale for $49.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1975
distributor
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0988.209
catalog number
1986.0988.209
accession number
1986.0988

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