Computers & Business Machines

Apple II Personal Computer

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

Name: Commodore Business Machines, Inc.

Commodore MM-1 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a white case with black trim and metal keyboard, and eighteen square plastic "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 eighteen square plastic "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 D key for recalling the display (which turns off after fifteen seconds), a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The on/off switch is below the keyboard along with a switch for setting the position of the decimal point.
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 BUSINESS MACHINES, INC. (/) MODEL MM-1 (/) 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 1986.0988.098 (the Commodore Minuteman 2) 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.
Los Angeles Times, March 14, 1972, p. C5. Advertised as selling for $179. “Now you can face this year’s taxes with confidence.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1972
distributor
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
maker
Bowmar/Ali
ID Number
1986.0988.099
catalog number
1986.0988.099
accession number
1986.0988

Commodore MM2SR Handheld Electronic Calculator

This chunky handheld electronic calculator has twenty-three oval plastic keys. At the center is an array of ten digit keys with a decimal point key and a subtraction key. To the right of these are keys for multiplication, division, addition, and total.
Description
This chunky handheld electronic calculator has twenty-three oval plastic keys. At the center is an array of ten digit keys with a decimal point key and a subtraction key. To the right of these are keys for multiplication, division, addition, and total. Left of the digit keys are memory, percent, clear entry, and clear keys. The row of keys at the top of the keyboard has square root, inverse, and squaring keys. The on/off switch is right of these. A mark behind the keyboard reads: commodore. Behind this is an eight-digit LED display. A socket for a power adapter is on the back edge.
The back of the calculator has a sticker with an “operating outline.” It reads in part: Model MM2SR (/) Voltage: 6V (/) Current: .2A. It also reads: Serial No. 021926. It also reads: Commodore Business Machines Inc. Made in USA.
Compare 1986.0988.100.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 58.
Los Angeles Times, October 24, 1974, p. A7. Calculator sells for $49.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1974
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0988.128
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.128

Commodore MM2SR Handheld Electronic Calculator

This chunky handheld electronic calculator has twenty-three oval plastic keys. At the center is an array of ten digit keys with a decimal point key and a subtraction key. To the right of these are keys for multiplication, division, addition, and total.
Description
This chunky handheld electronic calculator has twenty-three oval plastic keys. At the center is an array of ten digit keys with a decimal point key and a subtraction key. To the right of these are keys for multiplication, division, addition, and total. Left of the digit keys are memory, percentage, clear entry and clear keys. The row of keys at the top of the keyboard has square root, inverse, and squaring keys. The on/off switch is right of these. A mark behind the keyboard reads: commodore. Behind this is an eight-digit LED display. A socket for a power adapter is on the back edge.
The back of the calculator has a sticker with an “operating outline.” It reads in part: Model MM2SR (/) Voltage: 6V (/) Current: .2A. It also reads: Serial No. 140626. It also reads: Commodore Business Machines Inc. Made in USA.
Compare 1986.0988.128.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 58.
Los Angeles Times, October 24, 1974, p. A7. Calculator sells for $49.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1974
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0988.100
catalog number
1986.0988.100
accession number
1986.0988

Commodore 796M Handheld Electronic Calculator

This inexpensive handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case. It has an array of nineteen oval plastic keys.
Description
This inexpensive handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case. It has an array of nineteen oval plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, four arithmetic functions keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and a clear/clear entry key, the device has a memory key and a percentage key. The on/off switch is left of the memory key and the outlet for a power adapter is on the left side. A mark behind the keyboard reads: commodore. Behind this is the red eight-digit light-emitting diode display.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for a nine-volt battery. The cover is missing. A sticker below this reads:
Solid State Portable (/) Electronic Calculator (/) AC OPERATION Use Commodore (/) adapter no. DC-620R or 505 or 506 or 507 (/) BATTERY 9V Type 006P SERIAL NO. (/) 647752 (/) MODEL 796M. Further text reads: commodore (/) Made in England Pt No 200958-3.
According to Devidts, this calculator came in beige, black, and blue. For the beige version, see 1986.0988.061.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 56. They give a date of 1973.
Serge Devidts, BE CALC Vintage Electronic Calculators website.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1976
distributor
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0988.210
catalog number
1986.0988.210
accession number
1986.0988

Commodore 796M Handheld Electronic Calculator

This inexpensive handheld electronic calculator has a tan plastic cover with a black plastic back. It has an array of nineteen oval plastic keys.
Description
This inexpensive handheld electronic calculator has a tan plastic cover with a black plastic back. It has an array of nineteen oval plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, four arithmetic functions keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and a clear/clear entry key, the device has a memory key and a percentage key. The on/off switch is left of the memory key and the outlet for a power adapter is on the left side. A mark behind the keyboard reads: commodore. Behind this is the red eight-digit light emitting diode display.
The back of the calculator has a compartment for a nine-volt battery. A sticker below this reads: Solid State Portable (/) Electronic Calculator (/) AC OPERATION Use Commodore (/) adapter no. DC-620R or 505 or 506 or 507 (/) BATTERY 9V Type 006P SERIAL NO. (/) 979524 (/) MODEL 796M. Further text reads: commodore (/) Made in England Pt No 200958-3.
According to Devidts, this calculator came in beige, black and blue. For the black version, see 1986.0988.210.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 56. The give a date of 1973.
Serge Devidts, BE CALC Vintage Electronic Calculators website.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1976
distributor
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0988.061
catalog number
1986.0988.061
accession number
1986.0988

Software on Cassette for the VIC-20, VIC Typewriter Wordprocessor with Typing Tutor (VIC-1009)

"The VIC Typewritter," software for the VIC-20 sold by Commodore, consists of a cassette and a instruction book in the original box.Currently not on view
Description
"The VIC Typewritter," software for the VIC-20 sold by Commodore, consists of a cassette and a instruction book in the original box.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1981
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.28
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.28

Software, Visible Solar System

"Visible Solar System," this software on cartrdige by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, is in its original box.Currently not on view
Description
"Visible Solar System," 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
1987.0249.46
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.46

Software on Cassette, An Introduction to BASIC - Part 1 (with Flowcharting Template)

This software for the VIC-20 microcomputer by Commodore consists of two cassettes, an instruction booklet and a flowchartting templatein the original box.Currently not on view
Description
This software for the VIC-20 microcomputer by Commodore consists of two cassettes, an instruction booklet and a flowchartting template
in the original box.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.23
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.23

Computer Game on Cartridge for the VIC-20, Supersmash

"Supersmash," a computer game by Commodore sold for the VIC-20, consists of one cartridge in its original box.Currently not on view
Description
"Supersmash," 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
1987.0249.33
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.33

Software on Cassette for the VIC-20, Loan/Mortgage Calculator (VT 1011)

"Loan/Mortgage Calculator (VT 1011)," by Commodore for the VIC-20, consists of one cassette in the original box with an instruction sheet.Currently not on view
Description
"Loan/Mortgage Calculator (VT 1011)," by Commodore for the VIC-20, consists of one cassette in the original box with an instruction sheet.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.52
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.52

Commodore Microcomputer Disk Drive, Model 1541

This Commodore model 1541, a peripheral for the Commodore VIC-20 (see 1987.0249.02), i includes several parts. These are a single 5" floppy disk drive, a power cable, a serial bus cable, theuser's manual and a test demo floppy disk, all in the orignialbox.
Description
This Commodore model 1541, a peripheral for the Commodore VIC-20 (see 1987.0249.02), i includes several parts. These are a single 5" floppy disk drive, a power cable, a serial bus cable, the
user's manual and a test demo floppy disk, all in the orignial
box. The drive is in a buff-colored rectangular metal housing.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.03
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.03

Commodore Minuteman 6 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This small four-function calculator is wedge-shaped, inclining toward the front. It has fourteen oval keys and an oval zero bar. In addition to the ten digits, these allow for the four arithmetic operations and clearing (but not clear entry).
Description
This small four-function calculator is wedge-shaped, inclining toward the front. It has fourteen oval keys and an oval zero bar. In addition to the ten digits, these allow for the four arithmetic operations and clearing (but not clear entry). Each arithmetic function key serves as an enter key for the corresponding operation (e.g. pushing the appropriate key gives the product, result, difference, quotient, or sum). The calculator has a six-digit red LED display.
A mark between the keyboard and the display reads: commodore. A switch on the back edge allows one to set the display to read dollars and cents (there is no decimal point key).
The battery compartment at the top of the back would hold a nine-volt battery. A sticker in front of it reads: MINUTEMAN * 6 (/) VOLTAGE 9V CURRENT 0.08A (/) SERIAL NO. 377139 (/) MADE IN U.S.A.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 58.
Washington Post, April 14, 1974, p. C8. Advertised as a “basic low-priced machine.” Sold for $19.95.
Chicago Tribune, February 2, 1975, p. 35. Advertised as selling for $12.88, value $19.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974-1975
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0988.313
catalog number
1986.0988.313
accession number
1986.0988

Computer Game on Cartridge, Jupiter Lander

This example of "Jupiter Lander," 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 "Jupiter Lander," 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
1987.0249.41
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.41

Software on Cassette for the VIC-20, Personal Finance IT (VT 1008)

"Personal Finace II (VT1008)," a software product of Commodore for the VIC-20, consists of one cassette in the original box. It is shown in the image with a related product.Currently not on view
Description
"Personal Finace II (VT1008)," a software product of Commodore for the VIC-20, consists of one cassette in the original box. It is shown in the image with a related product.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.50
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.50

Software on Cassette for the VIC-20, Expense Calendar (VT 1010)

"Expense Calculator (VT 1010)," by Commodore for the VIC-20, consists of one cassette in the original box with an instruction sheet.Currently not on view
Description
"Expense Calculator (VT 1010)," by Commodore for the VIC-20, consists of one cassette in the original box with an instruction sheet.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.53
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.53

Software on Cassette for the VIC-20, Programmable Character Set and Game Graphics Editor

"Programmable Character Set and Game Graphics Editor," made by Commodore for the VIC-20, consists of one cassette and an instructionbooklet in the original box.Currently not on view
Description
"Programmable Character Set and Game Graphics Editor," made by Commodore for the VIC-20, consists of one cassette and an instruction
booklet in the original box.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1981
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.27
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.27

Documentation, Pamphlet, VIC-20 the Wonder Computer of the 1980s

This illustrated leaflet describes the advantages of the VIC-20 microcomputer. Notes on the back gives the price (at KMart?) for computer (268), printer (368), disc drive (524), data set (68.97) and 3K memory expander cartridge (38.97).Currently not on view
Description
This illustrated leaflet describes the advantages of the VIC-20 microcomputer. Notes on the back gives the price (at KMart?) for computer (268), printer (368), disc drive (524), data set (68.97) and 3K memory expander cartridge (38.97).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1982
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.3049.11
catalog number
1987.3049.11
nonaccession number
1987.3049

Computer Game on Cartridge for the VIC-20, Number Nabber/Shape Grabber

"Number Nabber/Shape Grabber," a computer game by Commodore sold for the VIC-20 microcomputer, consists of one cartridge in its original box.Currently not on view
Description
"Number Nabber/Shape Grabber," 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
1982
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.32
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.32

Software on Cassette, An Introduction to BASIC - Part 2

This software by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer consists of two cassettes and an instruction booklet in the original box.Currently not on view
Description
This software by Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer consists of two cassettes and an instruction booklet in the original box.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.24
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.24

Software on Cassette for the VIC-20, Personal Finance I (VT 1007)

"Personal Finace I (VT1007)," a software product of Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, consists of one cassette and an instruction booklet in the original box. It is shown in the image with a related product.Currently not on view
Description
"Personal Finace I (VT1007)," a software product of Commodore for the VIC-20 microcomputer, consists of one cassette and an instruction booklet in the original box. It is shown in the image with a related product.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.51
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.51

Commodore SR-1400 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator is designed for scientific use. It has an array of forty-two keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, clear and clear entry keys, four arithmetic function keys, and a total key.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator is designed for scientific use. It has an array of forty-two keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, clear and clear entry keys, four arithmetic function keys, and a total key. The lower portion of the keyboard has change sign and exponent (of two digits) keys. Function keys include squares, degrees converted to radians, radians converted to degrees, powers, common logs, natural logs, exponents (of more than two digits), square roots, trigonometric functions (which can also double as inverse trigonometric functions), inverses, exchange, memory, and parentheses.
The power switch is at the top right of the keyboard. Behind it is a fourteen-digit red light-emitting diode display. A mark above this reads: commodore. The socket for an adapter is along the top edge.
A metal tag on the back of the calculator reads in part: ELECTRONIC SLIDE RULE CALCULATOR (/) SR-1400 (/) Please Read Instruction Manual. It gives basic instructions. Further text near the bottom reads: Serial No. 015975 (/) Commodore Business Machines, Inc. U.S.A.
The calculator has two Mostek chips. A mark on one reads: MOS (/) MCS2525 (/) 001 2174. A mark on the other reads: MOS (/) MCS2526 (/) 001 2874.
A December 17, 1974, newspaper advertisement listed the calculator as selling for $99.95
References:
Los Angeles Times, November 15, 1974, p. G9. Advertised as selling for $99.95.
Los Angeles Times, August 31, 1975, p. C7. Advertised as on sale for $49.88.
The Day, December 17, 1974. Advertised as available for $99.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1974-1975
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1986.0988.312
catalog number
1986.0988.312
accession number
1986.0988

Cassette Unit, Model C2N

This microcomputer peripheral was manufactured by Commodore as the Model C2N, and has serial number 730253. The cassette player is in a cream-colored plastic housing with brown keys and a brown transparent cassette cover.
Description
This microcomputer peripheral was manufactured by Commodore as the Model C2N, and has serial number 730253. The cassette player is in a cream-colored plastic housing with brown keys and a brown transparent cassette cover. The unit has an attached cord which plugs into the computer. It receives power and instructions from the computer. The operating instructions are included, all in the original box.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.05
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.05

Software on Cassette, Mastering Your VIC-20 Through Eight Basic Projects

"Masterihg Your VIC-20 Throughh Eight Basic Projects" by Commodore consists of two cassettes (one is missing) and aninstruction booklet, as well as the original box. A mark on the cassette reads in part "1983."Currently not on view
Description
"Masterihg Your VIC-20 Throughh Eight Basic Projects" by Commodore consists of two cassettes (one is missing) and an
instruction booklet, as well as the original box. A mark on the cassette reads in part "1983."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.36
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.36

Commodore Dot Matrix Printer, Model 1526

This peripheral for a VIC-20 microcomputer was manufactured by Commodore.as the model 1526, this example being serial number 1047394. The object consists of a printer, a serial cable, a power cable, a user's manual, a printer ribbon cartridge (installed) and a wire paper holder.
Description
This peripheral for a VIC-20 microcomputer was manufactured by Commodore.as the model 1526, this example being serial number 1047394. The object consists of a printer, a serial cable, a power cable, a user's manual, a printer ribbon cartridge (installed) and a wire paper holder. The printer is in a buff plastic housing with a transparent, smoked plastic noise and dust cover. There is a knob on the left to turn the platen. All are contained in the original box.
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
ID Number
1987.0249.04
accession number
1987.0249
catalog number
1987.0249.04

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