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

Documentation, Paperback Book Entitled the VIC-20 Connection

This paperback book by James W. Coffron shows on its cover a green house made up of circuit boards with chips for windows and doors.
Description
This paperback book by James W. Coffron shows on its cover a green house made up of circuit boards with chips for windows and doors. It describes use of the VIC 20 alone and in conjunction with a home security system, a home temperature syste, and a voice synthesizer.
A mark on the first page inside the cover indicates that the book sold for $7.95. Text there also reads: Jeffrey T. Vogel (/) September 5, 1984 (/) Sunnyvale, Calif.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1983
maker
Sybex, Inc.
ID Number
1987.3049.06
catalog number
1987.3049.06
nonaccession number
1987.3049

Button, Loyal Fan: PC Week

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1987.3128.081
nonaccession number
1987.3128
catalog number
1987.3128.081

Documentation, Paperback Book Entitled 1541 User's Guide

This gray, spiral-bound paperback is a guide to using the Commodore 1541 disk drive, written by Gerald Neufeld. It was copyrighted in 1984, with both the first and second printing in 1985. This is a copy of the second printing.
Description
This gray, spiral-bound paperback is a guide to using the Commodore 1541 disk drive, written by Gerald Neufeld. It was copyrighted in 1984, with both the first and second printing in 1985. This is a copy of the second printing. This copy id not annotated.
Received with 1987.00249.03, an example of the disk drive, used with the commodore VIC 20.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1985
maker
Datamost, Inc.
ID Number
1987.3049.04
catalog number
1987.3049.04
nonaccession number
1987.3049

Ashton-Tate Button, Makers of the dBase IV your DBMS requirements

This circular button has blue text on a white background that reads: Makers of the dBase IV your DBMS requirements. At the top in red is the Ashton-Tate logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: FOSE '89.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has blue text on a white background that reads: Makers of the dBase IV your DBMS requirements. At the top in red is the Ashton-Tate logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: FOSE '89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989
ID Number
2009.3071.544
catalog number
2009.3071.544
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Apple, MacProof

This circular button has blue text on a white background that reads: MacProof. The People's Choice. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: MacWorld Boston 8/90.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has blue text on a white background that reads: MacProof. The People's Choice. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: MacWorld Boston 8/90.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.178
catalog number
2009.3071.178
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Craig 4501 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a gray and charcoal case and an array of 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 gray and charcoal case and an array of 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, there are four keys for arithmetic functions. One serves as a total key for addition and another as a difference key for subtraction. The top of the keyboard has a constant switch, a D key for recalling the display (it turns off after fifteen seconds), a clear entry key, and a red clear key. The on/off switch is behind the clear key. A mark next to it reads: CRAIG. The eight-digit red LED display is behind this. 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 of it reads: CRAIG MODEL 4501 (/) SER NO 13330 (/) CRAIG CORPORATION COMPTON, CALIF. 90220 (/) MADE IN U.S.A. Stamped in ink on the bottom of the back are numbers which may be: 33 72 13. A mark scratched on the instruction plate reads: ZDENEK.
Ball & Flamm give a 1971 sale price as $239.95.
This calculator was made and sold as by Bowmar/Ali as the Bowmar 901B. Compare 1986.0988.129.
Reference:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector's Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p.37, 63.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1972
maker
Bowmar/Ali
distributor
Craig Corporation
ID Number
1987.0435.25
accession number
1987.0435
catalog number
1987.0435.25

Button, Slip Into Something Elegant, NetWare

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1987.3128.201
nonaccession number
1987.3128
catalog number
1987.3128.201

TOPS Button, I wanna be on TOPS!

This diamond shaped button has white text on a red background that reads: I wanna be on TOPS!Currently not on view
Description
This diamond shaped button has white text on a red background that reads: I wanna be on TOPS!
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s?
ID Number
2009.3071.529
catalog number
2009.3071.529
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Unisonic LC 222 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This credit card-sized calculator has a metal case and twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys.
Description
This credit card-sized calculator has a metal case and twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. The bottom row of keys also has an off key, an on/clear entry/clear key, and a percentage key. A mark above the keyboard reads: Unisonic (/) LC 222. Left of this is an eight-digit liquid crystal display. A mark on the back of the calculator reads: Unisonic LC222C MADE IN TAIWAN. Unscrewing two screws in the back makes it possible to change the two tiny batteries (no batteries in this example), According to the instructions, one should “use quality alkaline batteries such as Maxell [sic] SR 1130. You can expect to get about 1000 hours of continuous operating time for batteries.” A mark on the circuit board reads: LSIT6014 (/) LCD 3001.
The calculator has a cloth case that also includes the instruction leaflet. It has the title Unisonic LC-222 Ultra Thin LCD Calculator.
Compare 1987.0435.14.
For information about Unisonic, see 1986.0988.371.
References:
Instruction leaflet.
[Advertisement], Hartford Courant, December 7, 1980, p. Q10. LC 222 and LC 272 calculators both on sale for $8.99, regularly $11.99.
[Advertisement]. Los Angeles Times, March 8, 1981, p. SG5. LC 222 calculator on sale for $8.90, regularly $10.90. Neither of these advertisements mentions the LC 222C.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1981
maker
Unisonic
ID Number
1986.0988.322
catalog number
1986.0988.322
accession number
1986.0988

RICOH Lapel Pin

This lapel pin in the shape of a square with smaller rectangles extending beyond the upper and lower edges. It has a butterfly clutch clasp and a black background with a red and gold border. Gold-colored text reads: Where Imagination Becomes Reality.
Description
This lapel pin in the shape of a square with smaller rectangles extending beyond the upper and lower edges. It has a butterfly clutch clasp and a black background with a red and gold border. Gold-colored text reads: Where Imagination Becomes Reality. A gold rectangle at the top has red text reading "RICOH"; a gold rectangle at the bottom has red text reading "Comdex '89". The reverse is of gold-colored metal, as is the clasp.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.736
catalog number
2009.3071.736
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Texas Instruments TI-2550 III Handheld Electronic Calculator

In 1972 Texas Instruments began selling electronic calculators under its own name. The first of these was the Datamath or TI-2500.
Description
In 1972 Texas Instruments began selling electronic calculators under its own name. The first of these was the Datamath or TI-2500. Over the next few years, TI sold modifications of the TI-2500 that had different forms of battery (such as the TI-2500B, the TI-2500II, the TI-2510, and the TI-2550III), a different color case (the TI-2510 and the TI-2550III), a key for taking percentages (the TI-2550, the TI-2550II, and the TI-2550III), and keys for additional functions (the TI-2550, the TI-2550II and the TI-2550III). This is an example of the TI-2550III.
The calculator has an array of thirty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, four arithmetic function keys, a clear key, a clear entry key, a decimal point key, and a total key. Also included are a change sign key, a percentage key, four memory keys, an inverse key, a square key, a square root key, and a reverse entry (RV) key. The RV key replaced an entry in the display with the immediately preceding entry.
The on/off switch is above the keyboard on the right. A mark above it reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TI-2550III. Behind this is an eight-digit blue vacuum fluorescent display.
There is a jack for a power adapter along the back edge (according to instructions for the calculator found online, this would have part number AC9310A). The back has a battery compartment that would hold a rechargeable battery pack (according to instructions for the calculator, this would have model number BP-3).
A sticker on the back of the calculator reads in part: US PAT 3819921 OTHER PATENTS PENDING (/) TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) TI-2550-III (/) electronic Calculator (/) Serial No. (/) 2550-III 075877. It also reads in part: ASSEMBLED IN USA. A mark below the label reads: 4576LTA.
Unscrewing four screws from the back of the calculator reveals the circuit board. The largest chip is marked: TMS1043NL (/) KBSΔ7642.
The calculator has a black plastic zippered case.
References:
[Advertisement], Boston Globe, November 25, 1976, p. 92. Selling for $29.95.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, January 29, 1977, p. C5. Advertised as selling for $28.95.
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 158. They give a 1976 price of $34.95.
Online Datamath Museum.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
maker
Texas Instruments
ID Number
1986.0988.347
catalog number
1986.0988.347
accession number
1986.0988

Button, Asymetrix ToolBook

The square button has white and black text on a light green background that reads: Asymetrix ToolBook. It has an image of pages being placed in a book. A mark in red ink on the reverse reads: Spring Comdex '91.Currently not on view
Description
The square button has white and black text on a light green background that reads: Asymetrix ToolBook. It has an image of pages being placed in a book. A mark in red ink on the reverse reads: Spring Comdex '91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.304
catalog number
2009.3071.304
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Texas Instruments Model PC-100C Print-Security Cradle

This device, used with a TI Programmable 58 or 59 calculator, performed a variety of functions.
Description
This device, used with a TI Programmable 58 or 59 calculator, performed a variety of functions. The printer could show the contents of the display at any time, list programs in program memory and the contents of data registers, print results from a running program, print each step of calculator operations, list program labels and location, print alphanumeric messages, and plot data. The PC-100C also served as a security cradle, providing a secure place to leave the calculator and also allowing recharging of the calculator while the printer was in use.
The thermal printer, with its 2 ½ inch (6.4 cm.) wide tape, is on the left; the mounting bracket for the calculator is on the right. In front is a storage compartment for the battery pack from the calculator and for the cover of the mounting bracket. A lock (with key) is in the middle.
A sticker on the bottom of the object reads in part: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) MODEL PC-100C (/) PRINT/SECURITY CRADLE. Text below this reads: SERIAL NO. 293181 ATA2378. The object has a light gray plastic cover. The printer came with two extra paper tapes, which have museum numbers 1990.0609.02.1 and 1990.0609.02.2. It was used with calculator 1990.0609.01.
For examples of printouts from this printer, see 1990.3166.04. An instruction manual stored with these programs indicates that the printer was purchased September 19, 1979 for $249.95.
Compare to the PC-100A printer that is part of 2007.0179.02.
Reference:
[Advertisement], New York Times, November 7, 1982, p. 64. TI Programmable 59 selling for $169.95. Rebate of $20 from manufacturer brings price down to $149.95. PC-100C printer also sells for $149.95.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1978
maker
Texas Instruments
ID Number
1990.0609.02
catalog number
1990.0609.02
accession number
1990.0609

Rodime Systems Button, Imagine It!

This circular button has white text on a teal background that reads: Imagine It! At the top is the Rodime Systems Logo.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has white text on a teal background that reads: Imagine It! At the top is the Rodime Systems Logo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1980s
ID Number
2009.3071.299
catalog number
2009.3071.299
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, Advertising, Hayes Microcomputer Products

This circular button has a bright blue background with white text that reads: 'I Have "ESP".' Beneath the text in white is the Hayes company logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: "Comdex 6/90."The Hayes modem was the first one created for personal computers.
Description
This circular button has a bright blue background with white text that reads: 'I Have "ESP".' Beneath the text in white is the Hayes company logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: "Comdex 6/90."
The Hayes modem was the first one created for personal computers. Dale Heatherington and Dennis C. Hayes designed their modem board in 1977 and assembled it on Hayes' dining room table. The partners formed D.C. Hayes Associates in 1978 and renamed it in 1980 as Hayes Microcomputer Products. During the 1980s and 1990s the Hayes modem was a top-of-the-line modem with a reputation for high compatibility and reliability. In 1999 the company exited bankruptcy, liquidated assets, and sold the brand name to Zoom Technologies.
References:
[Last accessed 2019-07-18]
"InfoWorld," October 23, 1989, p81. [Product review of the Hayes V-Series Smartmodem 2400.]
https://www.networkworld.com/article/2869386/modems--60-years-of-hooking-up.html#slide5
https://history-computer.com/ModernComputer/Basis/modem.html
https://www.nytimes.com/1999/01/07/news/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-modem-king.html
https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jan-07-fi-61071-story.html
http://www.s100computers.com/Hardware%20Folder/DC%20Hayes/History/History.htm
http://www.hayesmicro.com
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.625
catalog number
2009.3071.625
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Software, CP/M by Digital Research, Inc. and UniForm by Micro Solutions, Inc.

This 5 ¼” floppy diskette contains both the CP/M operating system (version 2.2) by Digital Research, Inc. and UniForm, a utility program by Micro Solutions, Inc. It was distributed for use with a Kaypro microcomputer ca 1981.
Description
This 5 ¼” floppy diskette contains both the CP/M operating system (version 2.2) by Digital Research, Inc. and UniForm, a utility program by Micro Solutions, Inc. It was distributed for use with a Kaypro microcomputer ca 1981. The UniForm program provided the ability to move files between the CP/M and PC DOS operating systems without losing file integrity.
See also 2012.3098.022.
References:
“Computerworld,” December 17, 1984
“UniForm User’s Guide,” 1984
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1981
maker
Digital Research
ID Number
2012.3098.023
catalog number
2012.3098.023
nonaccession number
2012.3098

The New Yost Patent Model

The New Yost was introduced around 1889 and was produced by the Yost Writing Machine Company of New York, New York. This object served as a model for patent number 400,200 granted to Jacob Febel and Andrew W. Steiger on March 26th, 1889.
Description
The New Yost was introduced around 1889 and was produced by the Yost Writing Machine Company of New York, New York. This object served as a model for patent number 400,200 granted to Jacob Febel and Andrew W. Steiger on March 26th, 1889. The patent applied to a pivoted link in the type-bar that allowed for the type-bar to swing out horizontally and then rise up vertically to strike the platen. The model is missing the carriage it would need to be a fully functioning New Yost.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1889
patent date
1889-03-26
inventor
Felbel, Jacob
Steiger, Andrew W.
ID Number
ME.308636
catalog number
308636
patent number
400200
400,200
accession number
89797

Enterprex Z50 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has an array of twenty rectangular plastic keys. To the right of the ten digit keys, decimal point key, and total key is a column of four function keys.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has an array of twenty rectangular plastic keys. To the right of the ten digit keys, decimal point key, and total key is a column of four function keys. Right of these is a column with a clear/clear entry key, a percentage key, and two memory keys. The power switch is above this column. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit red LED display. Marks behind this read: ENTERPREX (/) Model-Z50.
A battery compartment is at the top of the back of the calculator. A sticker below this gives “CALCULATION EXAMPLES.” It is marked in part: SERIAL NO. (/) 28923 (/) MADE IN TAIWAN (/) (R.O.C.).
The calculator is stored in a black plastic sleeve, which in turn fits into a cardboard box. A mark on the box give a price of: 599. Also in the box are an instruction leaflet, a warranty, and a warranty for a Casio pocket-mini calculator.
No advertisements found.
References:
Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 71.
Vintage Technology website, accessed June 18, 2014.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1977
distributor
Enterprex
ID Number
1986.0988.250
catalog number
1986.0988.250
accession number
1986.0988

Documentation, Word Perfect 4.1 by Satellite Software International (SSI)

This documentation is for WordPerfect version 4.1, a word processing software package released by SSI of Orem, Utah, in 1985.
Description
This documentation is for WordPerfect version 4.1, a word processing software package released by SSI of Orem, Utah, in 1985. Included this version were five new features—a built in thesaurus, the ability to view two documents simultaneously made possible by the split screen feature, two versions of text columns, line drawing, and the ability to sort lines or paragraphs. The documentation box includes a binder containing the installation guide and user manual. In 1985, the software sold for $495 (about $1,200 in 2019 dollars).
The concept for WordPerfect was the work of Dr. Alan Ashton, a computer science professor at Brigham Young University, and came about in 1977. His idea was to create a program that did not require typing function codes and one that would display the text like a printed page with correct line endings and page breaks. During his summer break that year he developed design specifications. To help write the code, he enlisted the help of Dr. Bruce Bastian, a graduate of Brigham Young’s Computer Science Department.
In the spring of 1979, they completed P-Edit, a very basic word processing program. To promote the software, they contacted Don Owens, a marketing executive. In September, the three of them incorporated the business as Satellite Software International. P-Edit was soon replaced by SSI*WP, a more robust program. When the DOS version of the software for IBM compatible computers was completed in 1982, the product name was changed to WordPerfect. (Briefly, in the mid-1980s, the company distributed the program under the name SSI Software.) In late 1986, the company name changed to WordPerfect Corporation.
For several years thereafter, it was the best-selling word processing software in the world. However, by the early 1990s the WordPerfect Corporation was struggling to complete a Microsoft’s Windows compatible version. Not only was the WordPerfect windows version delayed, but their WordPerfect Office program had operational problems. In 1994 Novell Inc. purchased WordPerfect and in 1996 they sold it to Corel Corporation. Corel continues to distribute the product as WordPerfect Office X9.
See related objects: 2009.3071.033-.035; .038-.044; .601; 753 (computer advertising buttons)
References:
InfoWorld, November 18, 1985, pg. 70 (advertisement)
[last accessed 2019-10-22]
https://www.corel.com/en/our-story/
https://www.infoworld.com/article/2639497/how-did-wordperfect-go-wrong-.html
https://www.wordplace.com/ap/ap_0intro.shtml
https://www.wordplace.com/ap/ap_chap01.shtml
https://www.wordplace.com/ap/ap_chap03.shtml
https://www.wordplace.com/ap/ap_chap07.shtml
https://www.wordplace.com/ap/ap_chap13.shtml
https://www.wordplace.com/ap/ap_prol.shtml
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1985
ID Number
2012.3098.058
catalog number
2012.3098.058
nonaccession number
2012.3098

Button, You Say You Want A Revolution

This circular holographic button has black text around the edge that reads: You Say You Want A Revolution. The holographic image in the center is a computer monitor that alternates displaying the text "radius" with the Pivot logo.
Description
This circular holographic button has black text around the edge that reads: You Say You Want A Revolution. The holographic image in the center is a computer monitor that alternates displaying the text "radius" with the Pivot logo. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Seybold '90 San Jose.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
ID Number
2009.3071.373
catalog number
2009.3071.373
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Regitel Cash Register / Point-of-Sale Terminal

The Regitel is an early point-of-sale (POS) electronic cash register.
Description
The Regitel is an early point-of-sale (POS) electronic cash register. Such terminals capture information about sales for computer processing.
The device was made by the American Regitel Corporation and installed as a part of a networked system in department stores across the nation. The networks communicated over telephone systems at 9600 baud, which was extremely fast for the time period.
A mark on the front reads: REGITEL. A mark on tape on the bottom of the machine reads: Theresa 3-22-71.
For related documentation, see 2002.0091.02 through 2002.0091.06.
American Regitel Corporation was founded in Palo Alto, California, in 1968. The firm was acquired by Motorola in 1970.
References:
Accession file.
Auerbach Publishers, Snapshot of Point-of-Sale Systems, Pennsauken, N.J.: Auerbach Publishers, 1978, p. 11.
Creative Strategies Internaional, Retail Automation to 1983, San Jose: Creative Strategies International, 1980, esp. p. 109.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1970
maker
American Regitel Corporation
ID Number
2002.0091.01
accession number
2002.0091
catalog number
2002.0091.01

Beach's Typewriter Patent Model

This typewriter patent model was used by Alfred Ely Beach of Stratford, Connecticut in his patent application that received patent number 15,164 on June 24, 1856.
Description
This typewriter patent model was used by Alfred Ely Beach of Stratford, Connecticut in his patent application that received patent number 15,164 on June 24, 1856. Beach’s patent was titled an “Improvement in Printing-Instruments for the Blind,” as the typewriter was meant to leave a raised letter on the paper, rather than an inked character. The machine could be modified to also print black letters with the addition of an ink belt. The typewriter printed on a single line on a slip of paper similar to ticker tape, with each typebar striking at a common center. The mother-of-pearl keys are arranged in three rows, with capital and lowercase letters each having separated keys. The typebars are contained in the veneered wooden box. The circular type basket is decorated with gilt-cast leaves.
Alfred Ely Beach was an inventor and publisher in New York during the mid -19th century. Along with his business partners Orson D. Munn and Salem H. Wales, Beach purchased Scientific American magazine in 1846. In 1847 Beach produced a precursor to this machine, which was eventually patented in 1856. This typewriter was never commercially produced. Beach is more commonly remembered as the inventor of New York City’s first subway, Beach’s Pneumatic Transit. Beach built a 300-foot prototype pneumatic powered subway in 1870 that was never expanded due to political roadblocks.
Location
Currently not on view
associated date
1856
maker
Beach, Alfred E.
Kirchof, C.
ID Number
ME.312878
catalog number
312878
accession number
163196

Texas Instruments Dataman Handheld Electronic Calculator

Introduced by Texas Instruments in 1977 and advertised through at least 1981, this educational toy sought to teach arithmetic to children seven years old and up.
Description
Introduced by Texas Instruments in 1977 and advertised through at least 1981, this educational toy sought to teach arithmetic to children seven years old and up. The device has a gray plastic case, designed to resemble a robot, with an array of twenty-four orange plastic keys of differing shape. These include ten digit keys, four arithmetic function keys, an equals key, a memory bank keys, an on key, an off key, and keys for various games. Games available are “Electro Flash” (for practicing mathematical tables), “Wipe Out” (for competing at solving arithmetic problems rapidly), Number Guesser (for guessing a number selected by the calculator), Force Out (for subtracting numbers – to avoid being the one who arrives at zero), and Missing Numbers (to enter unknowns in equations). A display that could flash at appropriate times is behind the keyboard.
The back of the instrument has a compartment for a nine-volt battery. Text above this reads in part: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) electronic calculator.” The space for a serial number is blank. The date code is 2978. Text below this reads: ASSEMBLED IN EL SALVADOR.
The toy is in a brown plastic zippered case.
References:
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, July 9, 1977, p. C5. Listed among other TI products as costing $22.95, “teaches arithmetic” – “order now for early delivery.”
[Advertisement], Hartford Courant, November 6, 1977, p. 7C. Dataman “electronic learning aid” now available, selling for $19.99. Offers ‘basic math drills with design.”
“Electronic Helpers,” Chicago Tribune, Nov 17, 1978, p. D9. Mentioned as one of several toys offered for the 1978 Christmas season.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, June 5, 1979, p. OC_B6. On sale for $16.95.
Peter J. Schuyten, “Electronic Games a Big Winner For the Holidays . . .,” New York Times, November 15, 1979; p. D1. Dataman mentioned in passing. In general, chips in short supply.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, November 17, 1979, p. E3. Dataman selling for $19.95.
Kallan, Carla, “Electronic Games People Play: toy outlets reflect the arrival of the computer age,” Los Angeles Times, December 11, 1979, p. H1. Dataman among the educational games mentioned. Price given as $25.
[Advertisement], Hartford Courant, Dec 21, 1980, p. B13. Dataman on sale for $16.99, regularly $24.99.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, April 14, 1981, p. B10. Dataman on sale for $16 (or perhaps $18), regularly $25.
Texas Instruments, “The Story of Dataman,” 1977. This gives instructions. Images are available at the online Datamath museum and at other websites.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1978
maker
Texas Instruments
ID Number
1986.0988.056
catalog number
1986.0988.056
accession number
1986.0988

OS/2 Lapel Pin

This square lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. On the black background are outlines of five circles - red, yellow, gray, green, and blue. Within each circle is text matching the circle color and reading: OS/2.
Description
This square lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. On the black background are outlines of five circles - red, yellow, gray, green, and blue. Within each circle is text matching the circle color and reading: OS/2. The reverse is gold-colored metal and reads "CDX 4/92" in black permanent ink. The clasp is of gold-colored metal.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1992
ID Number
2009.3071.695
catalog number
2009.3071.695
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Our collection database is a work in progress. We may update this record based on further research and review. Learn more about our approach to sharing our collection online.

If you would like to know how you can use content on this page, see the Smithsonian's Terms of Use. If you need to request an image for publication or other use, please visit Rights and Reproductions.