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

Date: 1980s

Sanyo MBC-1000 Microcomputer

This microcomputer with monitor and disk drive comprise one unit which is joined by a cord to the keyboard. A power cord with plug extends from the back.
Description
This microcomputer with monitor and disk drive comprise one unit which is joined by a cord to the keyboard. A power cord with plug extends from the back. The machine was used by Rayna Green when she taught at Dartmouth College, before she came to NMAH as a curator.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1980s
maker
Sanyo Electric Company
ID Number
2012.0092.01
accession number
2012.0092
catalog number
2012.0092.01

Documentation on Higgins Local Area Network Version 2.2 Software

This box contains a three-ring binder with a manual for Conetic Systems, Inc., Higgins Group Productivity Software, System Administrator Local Area Network Version 2.2. Also in the box are:1. a spiral-bound manual entitled Tutorial Guide Local Area Network2.
Description
This box contains a three-ring binder with a manual for Conetic Systems, Inc., Higgins Group Productivity Software, System Administrator Local Area Network Version 2.2. Also in the box are:
1. a spiral-bound manual entitled Tutorial Guide Local Area Network
2. a spiral-bound manual entitled Reference Manual Local Area Network
3. a March 1,1989 Product List of Enable Software
There is no actual software with this documentation.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1989
ID Number
2012.3060.08
catalog number
2012.3060.08
nonaccession number
2012.3060

Ohio Scientific Challenger 8P Microcomputer

This is one of a series of machines introduced by a Hiram, Ohio, firm of scientific instrument makers. Ohio Scientific began selling microcomputers in 1977, the Challenger 8P came a few years later.
Description
This is one of a series of machines introduced by a Hiram, Ohio, firm of scientific instrument makers. Ohio Scientific began selling microcomputers in 1977, the Challenger 8P came a few years later. This example includes the central processing unit, a dual disk drive that held 8” disks, and a simple keyboard (there is no monitor). The case for storing floppy disks holds six disks (for these see 2007.0132.18). The CPU is marked: CHALLENGER 8P. The disk drive is marked: OHIO SCIENTIFIC
For documentation relating to Ohio Scientific microcomputers and their users, see 2006.3070.43, parts of acquisition 2021.3098, document 2015.3167.10, and document 2015.3167.11. For a model 600 Ohio Scientific microcomputer from 1979 (presently held by the Electricity collections) see 2011.0112.01.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1981
maker
Ohio Scientific
ID Number
2006.0132.17
catalog number
2006.0132.17
accession number
2006.0132

Apple Lisa II Microcomputer

The Apple Lisa introduced the graphic user interface (GUI) into the Apple Computer Corporation's line of personal computers. Instead of using only text-based commands, users could employ pictorial icons displayed on the screen to initiate operations.
Description
The Apple Lisa introduced the graphic user interface (GUI) into the Apple Computer Corporation's line of personal computers. Instead of using only text-based commands, users could employ pictorial icons displayed on the screen to initiate operations. Officially, "Lisa" stood for "Local Integrated Software Architecture," but it was also the name of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs' daughter. This computer was also Jobs "baby," as he championed its creation and believed it would revolutionize personal computing. Apple spent four years and $50 million to develop it, but it turned out to be a commercial flop, in large part because of the $10,000 per unit cost. Only 80,000 were eventually sold. The Lisa is most important historically as the computer that pioneered concepts later used in the far more successful Macintosh.
This Lisa has model number A65B100 and serial number B08B832370482. It was owned and used by Roslyn Lang and her family. Her husband used it for academic work, while she and her children used it for computer games. She said: "As I recall, these were mainly games that you played against the software by looking at pictures of a castle and trying to free the princess without being eaten by an ogre!”
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1983
maker
Apple Computer
ID Number
2005.0056.01
catalog number
2005.0056.01
accession number
2005.0056

Documentation on Crosstalk Mk. 4 Software

This black box with an orange design contains two manuals for the communications and terminal emulation program Crosstalk Mk. 4 (there is no software). They were publications of Crosstalk Communications, a division of Digital Communications Associates.Currently not on view
Description
This black box with an orange design contains two manuals for the communications and terminal emulation program Crosstalk Mk. 4 (there is no software). They were publications of Crosstalk Communications, a division of Digital Communications Associates.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1988
ID Number
2012.3060.10
catalog number
2012.3060.10
nonaccession number
2012.3060

Software Set, Retail Invoicing 4.1

This blue box contains fifteen 5 1/4" floppy discs, namely:1. four associated with Easy Business Systems Retail Invoicing by Easy Business Systems2. one with software from the Easy Business Systems Plus Series for the IBM Personal Computer and IBM Personal Computer XT3.
Description
This blue box contains fifteen 5 1/4" floppy discs, namely:
1. four associated with Easy Business Systems Retail Invoicing by Easy Business Systems
2. one with software from the Easy Business Systems Plus Series for the IBM Personal Computer and IBM Personal Computer XT
3. ten backup discs. Six are associated in some way with payroll. Four are backups for the G/L Program (i.e. the General Ledger associated with the Retail Invoicing system).
The box also contains a metal springback notebook of documentation on the related Easy Business Systems Retail Invoicing system. This is copyrighted 1986. Finally there is a laminated sheet entitled "Retail Invoicing Quick Guide."
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1986
maker
Computer Associates
ID Number
2012.3060.09
catalog number
2012.3060.09
nonaccession number
2012.3060

Commodore Amiga 500 Microcomputer

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

Visual Commuter Computer Laptop Computer

This portable microcomputer, named Commuter, has an off-white case with a fixed black handle. To raise the lid, latches on each side of the case are released simultaneously.
Description
This portable microcomputer, named Commuter, has an off-white case with a fixed black handle. To raise the lid, latches on each side of the case are released simultaneously. Inside the lid, the 80 x 16 liquid crystal display (LCD) plugs in via a RJ11 cable to a connector just above the keyboard. The keyboard has 83 keys with a numeric pad to the right and a 10 function key pad to the left. Behind the keyboard, built into the case are two 360K 5¼” floppy disk drives. Above the keyboard on the left is the Commuter logo. A handwritten sticker on the outside rear of the computer notes that the memory was upgraded to 512K, the maximum amount allowed. The LCD display could be removed entirely and replaced by a larger external monitor for office or home use.
The IBM compatible unit uses the MS-DOS 2.1 operating system and an Intel 8088 processor. Although it has no internal expansion slots, it has 6 ports on the rear for cables that would connect to other devises. These ports include: 63 pin expansion, 24 pin asynchronous, 25 pin asynchronous/synchronous, parallel printer, RGB monochrome video (for an external monitor), and a composite video (for a color monitor).
Visual Computer Incorporated introduced the “Commuter” model in November 1983. Advertised as “Portable, IBM Compatible, Powerful, Affordable,” it weighed 16 pounds and sold for $1995. Visual ran ads in PC Magazine, Computerworld, and the American Bar Association Journal appealing to business executives who needed a computer when they traveled--the Commuter was a briefcase-sized portable computer with a handle.
The objects in accession 2017.0321, non-accessions 2017.3153 and 2018.3076 are related.
References:
PC Magazine, April 17, 1984. Advertisement pages 110-111.
Computerworld, June 11, 1984. Advertisement pages 68-69.
American Bar Association Journal, September 1984, Volume 70. Advertisement pages 22-23.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
ID Number
2017.0321.01
accession number
2017.0321
catalog number
2017.0321.01

Timex Sinclair 2068 Microcomputer

Introduced in 1983 at a cost of $199.95, the Timex-Sinclair 2068 (TS 2068) was the fourth and last Sinclair personal computer sold in the US market. It followed the ZX-81 (marketed by Sinclair Research through an American branch), TS 1000, and TS 1500.
Description
Introduced in 1983 at a cost of $199.95, the Timex-Sinclair 2068 (TS 2068) was the fourth and last Sinclair personal computer sold in the US market. It followed the ZX-81 (marketed by Sinclair Research through an American branch), TS 1000, and TS 1500. It’s design also drew on Sinclair’s ZX Spectrum (the Spectrum was not marketed in the U.S.).
The TS 2068 used a Z80 processor that ran at 3.58 MHz. Its memory included 48 KB of RAM and 24 KB of ROM. A cassette recorder was used for external storage. Like the TS 1000, the 2068 included a BASIC interpreter to run programs. Additional functions had been added to handle more complex graphic and sound commands. The TS 2068 included a sound chip and speaker at the bottom of the computer and had a range of 10 octaves and 130 semitones directly programmable from BASIC. Users could buy a TS 2040 printer that was attached to an expansion port.
The TS 2068 was well equipped for playing games and, with the use of an appropriate cartridge, could be used with most software designed for the ZX Spectrum. The computer was generally used for entertainment, educational, and programming tutorials.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1980s
maker
Timex Computer Corporation
ID Number
2000.0205.01
catalog number
2000.0205.01
accession number
2000.0205

Button, Take No Prisoners January 1989

This circular button has white text on a black background that reads: Take No Prisoners January 1989. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: T.S.- Eppley Comdex Fall '88.
Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a black background that reads: Take No Prisoners January 1989. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: T.S.- Eppley Comdex Fall '88.

Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1988
ID Number
2009.3071.425
catalog number
2009.3071.425
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Apple IIGS Microcomputer

The computers in the Apple II family were among the most popular personal computers in the late 1970s and 1980s. The last model and most impressive of the Apple II family was the Apple II GS (GS=graphics + sound).
Description
The computers in the Apple II family were among the most popular personal computers in the late 1970s and 1980s. The last model and most impressive of the Apple II family was the Apple II GS (GS=graphics + sound). When it was released in September of 1986—Apple's 10th anniversary—at the price of $999 (without a monitor—or $1498 with an RGB monitor), the Apple II GS competed against other computers such as the Commodore Amiga and the Atari ST.
The Apple II GS used the Western Design Center 65816 16 bit microprocessor, which ran at 2.8 Mhz. It had 256 KB of RAM, which could be expanded to 8 MB. There were seven slots to accommodate an expansion of memory. It was the first computer to utilize the Apple Desktop Bus (ADB) which linked standard input device such as keyboards, mice, and graphics tablets. This made it possible for Apple to sell a single set of peripherals that both the Apple Computer and later the Macintosh could use. The IIGS display had a 600 X 200 pixel mode with 2-bit palletized cooler and a 320 X 200 pixel mode with a 4-bit palletized color. The Apple II GS could display 256 colors on the screen. Its ProDOS 16 as system software allowed users to handle any number of open files at the same time.
The IIGS seemed well positioned to capture a large market. However, by the time it was released, Apple was putting its energy into developing the Macintosh and the IIGS suffered from limited marketing. Apple discontinued the line in December 1992.
This example of the Apple IIGS is model number A26000, Serial number A2S2-E80113DA2S6000. For related documentation, see 1998.3062.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1986
maker
Apple Computer
ID Number
1998.0199.01
catalog number
1998.0199.01
accession number
1998.0199

Computer Game on Cartridge for the VIC-20, Super Alien

"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

Software, The WORD Plus by Oasis Systems.

This software was developed in 1981 by Wayne Holder, Oasis Systems and licensed to Non-Linear Systems, Inc. for Kaypro computers. Word Plus was a spell-check program with automatic correction for computers running CP/M operating system.References:“InfoWorld,” August 2, 1982, p.
Description
This software was developed in 1981 by Wayne Holder, Oasis Systems and licensed to Non-Linear Systems, Inc. for Kaypro computers. Word Plus was a spell-check program with automatic correction for computers running CP/M operating system.
References:
“InfoWorld,” August 2, 1982, p. 52-53. (Software review)
http://www.computinghistory.org.uk/det/1624/Kaypro-The-Word-Plus/
http://www.thecomputerarchive.com/Manuals/The%20Word%20Plus%20-%20Oasis%20Systems.pdf
[Last accessed 6/12/2019]
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1981
ID Number
2012.3098.045
catalog number
2012.3098.045
nonaccession number
2012.3098

Portable Computer, Starlet NEC Portable Computer PC-8401A

This laptop computer has a tan plastic case and tan buttons, with a screen on the inside of the lid.
Description
This laptop computer has a tan plastic case and tan buttons, with a screen on the inside of the lid. It also has an AC power adopter and a single separate disc drive with a protruding circuit board.
Documentation received with the computer is 2014.0260.04.
This computer was used by Smithsonian curator Tom Simkni. Simkin worked with the division of mineralogical sciences, particularly on volcanes. He acquired it in 1986 to work away from the museum on research and data collection, particularly for the Global Volcanism Program.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1984
maker
NEC
ID Number
2014.0260.03
catalog number
2014.0260.03
accession number
2014.0260

Documentation, Windows Paint User’s Guide by Microsoft

This documentation is the User's Guide for Microsoft Windows Paint, version 1.0. Along with Windows Write, this software, was packaged with Microsoft’s Windows operating system, released in 1985. Paint was a drawing tool that helped create, enhance, save, and print artwork.
Description
This documentation is the User's Guide for Microsoft Windows Paint, version 1.0. Along with Windows Write, this software, was packaged with Microsoft’s Windows operating system, released in 1985. Paint was a drawing tool that helped create, enhance, save, and print artwork. It used menus and function keys instead of commands and instructions. Microsoft promoted the software as a “useful drawing tool that’s easy to use.”
See also 2012.3098.031 and 2012.3098.032
Reference:
Popular Science May 1986, p. 16d.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1985
maker
Microsoft Corporation
ID Number
2012.3098.030
catalog number
2012.3098.030
nonaccession number
2012.3098

Tandy 1400 Personal Computer LT

This portable computer, one of the first to be compatible with an IBM-PC, has a tan plastic case, and opens to reveal a screen about the size of the keyboard (and about half the total size of the case).Two disc drives are behind the keyboard.
Description
This portable computer, one of the first to be compatible with an IBM-PC, has a tan plastic case, and opens to reveal a screen about the size of the keyboard (and about half the total size of the case).Two disc drives are behind the keyboard. A heavy AC adapter fits into a jack in the back of the case. The donors reported that this was their daughter's first computer, on which she practiced lessons as a preteen. His son also may have used it to create spreadsheets for the donor's business in the summer of 1989. For software received with the computer, see 2014.0090.02.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1987
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
2014.0090.01
accession number
2014.0090
catalog number
2014.0090.01

Radio Shack TRS-80 Microcomputer Monitor

Don French, a buyer for the consumer electronics chain Tandy Radio Shack (TRS), believed that Radio Shack should offer an assembled personal computer and hired engineer Steve Leininger to design it. In the summer of 1977, Radio Shack introduced the TRS-80 for $599.
Description
Don French, a buyer for the consumer electronics chain Tandy Radio Shack (TRS), believed that Radio Shack should offer an assembled personal computer and hired engineer Steve Leininger to design it. In the summer of 1977, Radio Shack introduced the TRS-80 for $599. You could purchase the computer without a display for $399.95, but the most common configuration was buying the computer, monitor, and datacassette recorder for $599. For the accompanying keyboard and computer, see 1983.0169.01.
date made
1977-1981
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1983.0169.02
catalog number
1983.0169.02
accession number
1983.0169

Kaypro IV Portable Computer

Kaypro was a manufacturer of portable microcomputers running the CP/M operating system. Its first commercial model, Kaypro II, was launched in 1982. The Kaypro IV was introduced in 1983.
Description
Kaypro was a manufacturer of portable microcomputers running the CP/M operating system. Its first commercial model, Kaypro II, was launched in 1982. The Kaypro IV was introduced in 1983. Surprisingly, it is not the same as the Kaypro 4, which was released in 1984.
The Kaypro IV was basically a Kaypro II with added Double Sided/Double Density Drives. It had a Z80 microprocessor that ran at 2.5 MHz. The memory included 64 KB of RAM and 2 KB of ROM. Kaypro IV had a 9" monochrome monitor and a built-in speaker. The operating system was CP/M 2.2. The Kaypro IV included the word processor Wordstar, which was included in the Perfect Software Suite.
The introduction of the IBM PC in 1981 led to the rapid growth in popularity of the MS-DOS operating system for personal computers. Software developers migrated to writing for MS-DOS instead of CP/M. Kaypro was slow to make the transition in their machines, and the company never gained the kind of prominence in the MS-DOS arena that it had enjoyed with CP/M. A prime competitor for the MS-DOS portable market was Compaq, which sold an "all in one" computer that was similar to its own CP/M portable. In March 1990 Kaypro filed for bankruptcy.
This Kaypro IV was purchased with funds from a research grant obtained by Robert M. Smith, of the Department of Space History of the National Air and Space Museum. Smith's book, The Space Telescope, was written in part on this computer. The object was received as a transfer from the Natonal Air and Space Museum.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1983
maker
Kaypro Corporation
ID Number
1992.0522.01
catalog number
1992.0522.01
accession number
1992.0522

Software, DSMBLR III by Misosys

This software was developed by Roy Soltoff and published by Misosys of Virginia. DSMBLR III (disk disassembler) was most likely for the TRS-80.
Description
This software was developed by Roy Soltoff and published by Misosys of Virginia. DSMBLR III (disk disassembler) was most likely for the TRS-80. The package included a 5.25" floppy disk and registration card.
References:
An interview with Roy Soltoff conducted by Smithsonian curator Dr. Jon Eklund, is in the NMAH Archives Center.
http://www.tim-mann.org/misosys.html
[Last accessed 6/12/2019]
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1982
ID Number
2012.3098.038
serial number
530507
catalog number
2012.3098.038
nonaccession number
2012.3098

Computerworld Button, You ought to be in pixels

This circular button has white text on a red background that reads: You ought to be in pixels Computerworld.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a red background that reads: You ought to be in pixels Computerworld.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989?
ID Number
2009.3071.537
catalog number
2009.3071.537
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Radio Shack TRS-80 Model 1 Microcomputer

In the early 1970s, most personal computers came as hobbyist kits requiring a high level of technical expertise to assemble.
Description
In the early 1970s, most personal computers came as hobbyist kits requiring a high level of technical expertise to assemble. Don French, a buyer for the consumer electronics chain Tandy Radio Shack (TRS), believed that Radio Shack should offer an assembled personal computer and hired engineer Steve Leininger to design it. In the summer of 1977, Radio Shack introduced the TRS-80 for $599. This offering included a BASIC language interpreter, four kilobytes of RAM, a Zilog Z80 processor at 1.77 megahertz, a twelve-inch video monitor, a cassette recorder, a power supply, and a cassette tape containing the games Blackjack and Backgammon. While some Tandy executives were skeptical about the success of the PC market, the availability of the TRS-80 on five thousand Radio Shack store shelves helped the Model 1 sell over one hundred thousand units during its first year, half of total PCs sales in 1978.
The TRS-80 had its microprocessor inside its keyboard. While you could purchase just the TRS-80 for $400, most opted for the package that included the twelve-inch monitor and cassette recorder for $600. This example of the object includes the TRS-80 Expansion Interface for $299 (the monitor sits on it) that gave the machine an extra thirty-two kilobytes of memory. Also part of the system are two Mini-Disk drives that sold for $499 and a suitcase for carrying all this around.
One also could purchase such accessories as a TRS-80 Telephone Interface II for $199 that allowed for network communication and printer for $399. Examples of these are in the Smithsonian collections, although they were not received with this specific microcomputer.
This TRS-80 was used by donor Kenneth S. Wiedlitz of Los Angeles, along with the remaining materials in the accession.
References:
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1978 Catalog No. 289, page 166, accessed September 1, 2014, http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/catalogs/1978
Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1979 Catalog No. 302, pages 79–82, accessed September 1, 2014, http://www.radioshackcatalogs.com/catalogs/1979
“BYTE News,” BYTE, May 1979, 117.
Peggy A. Kidwell and Paul E. Ceruzzi, Landmarks in Digital Computing (Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press, 1994), 96–99.
date made
1977-1981
maker
Tandy Corporation
ID Number
1983.0169.01
catalog number
1983.0169.01
accession number
1983.0169

Texas Instruments Model 99/4A Microcomputer

When the TI-99/4A was introduced in 1981, Texas Instruments claimed it was both "a major breakthrough in computer technology," and, probably more important, the "lowest priced, 16-bit computer available." It cost only $525.
Description
When the TI-99/4A was introduced in 1981, Texas Instruments claimed it was both "a major breakthrough in computer technology," and, probably more important, the "lowest priced, 16-bit computer available." It cost only $525. The TI 99/4a was a redesign of the TI-99/4 system, which had been a market failure and was discontinued. The new machine sold well, but by August 1982, TI was falling behind its competitors, especially Commodore. So it began offering a $100 rebate on the TI-99/4a. It quickly became the best-selling home computer in America, controlling, by the end of 1982, approximately 35% of the market--150,000 machines a month.
In February 1983, TI cut the price to $150, and then in June 1983, it offered a plastic version of the TI-99/4a for less than $100. But now it had gone too far. It was selling computers for less than cost, resulting in a second quarter loss of $100 million.
The TI-99/4a operated on a TI TMS99000 at 3 MHz and included 16 KB of RAM and 26 KB of ROM. The computer included a RS-232 interface card and a 32K memory expansion card as well as a Data Storage cassette. Texas Instruments controlled the development of software for the machine and offered only around 300 titles. These did not include many of the most popular programs of the time.
Initially, the only way to expand the machine was to use a port on the right side of the console. Peripherals could extend out several feet. To remedy the situation TI released a more convenient Peripheral Expansion Box (PEB) and, surprisingly, sold 250,000 units at $1,475.00 each--far more than the cost of the computer.
Eventually Texas Instruments sold over 2.5 million units of the TI-99/4A. However the company decided that computers were not a promising business and dropped out of the PC market in 1984.
This example of the TI 99/4A was acquired by the donors in 1982. For related objects, see the rest of accession 1990.0494 as well as acquisition 1990.3142.
Location
Currently not on view
Date made
1981-1984
date made
1982
maker
Texas Instruments
ID Number
1990.0494.01
catalog number
1990.0494.01
accession number
1990.0494

Button, Memory Media Products, Spectrum, The Better Diskette

This square button, designed to look like a 3 ½” floppy diskette, has a red background with white text that reads: "Spectrum, The Better Diskette" / Memory Media Products / Tustin, California / U.S.
Description
This square button, designed to look like a 3 ½” floppy diskette, has a red background with white text that reads: "Spectrum, The Better Diskette" / Memory Media Products / Tustin, California / U.S. 1-800-228-0438 / CA 1-800-228-9699 / EUROPE +41 22 734 73 59 / Spectrum diskettes are / made in the U.S.A.”
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c. 1989
ID Number
2009.3071.554
catalog number
2009.3071.554
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Documentation for the Amdahl 580 Computer, Vol. II

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1980s
user
Page, Brian R.
ID Number
2014.3099.03
catalog number
2014.3099.03
nonaccession number
2014.3099

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