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

Burroughs Electro-Mechanical Typewriter

This Burroughs Corporation electro-mechanical typewriter was produced during the first half of the 20th century in Detroit, Michigan.
Description
This Burroughs Corporation electro-mechanical typewriter was produced during the first half of the 20th century in Detroit, Michigan. Burroughs was better known for its line of adding machines, as it began its history as the American Arithmometer Company, before changing its name to the Burroughs Adding Machine Company. In 1953 the company renamed itself the Burroughs Corporation, moving on to produce typewriters, and subsequently computer mainframes. This typewriter has mechanical keys, but an electric carriage return. The typewriter has an extra-wide carriage to accommodate larger sheets of paper, intended for tabular and statistical work.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1932
ID Number
1985.0952.01
catalog number
1985.0952.01
accession number
1985.0952

National Semiconductor Novus 835 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This handheld electronic calculator has a tan plastic case and twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a clear entry/clear key, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, four memory keys, a % key, and a square root key.
Description
This handheld electronic calculator has a tan plastic case and twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a clear entry/clear key, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, four memory keys, a % key, and a square root key. Left of the top row of keys is an on/off switch. A mark above it reads: 835. A mark to the right of this mark reads: NOVUS.
Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LED display. A jack for an adapter is on the left side. The back of the calculator has a compartment for a battery.
Compare to the National Semiconductor 835 (1988.0988.229) and the National Semiconductor 835A (1986.0988.230). National Semiconductor made Novus calculators.
Reference:
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, April 17, 1976, p. C5. Novus 835 listed as on sale for $15.95. Among the least expensive of the Novus calculators listed.
[Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, June 13, 1976, p. S8. Novus 835 listed as regularly priced at $13.88, on sale for $9.88.
[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, April 13, 1978, p. SF_A10. Novus 835 listed as regularly priced at $7.99, on sale for $5.88.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976-1978
maker
National Semiconductor Corporation
ID Number
1986.0988.276
catalog number
1986.0988.276
accession number
1986.0988

Microsoft LAN Manager Lapel Pin

This rectangular lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. It has a blue background, a gold border, and gold text that reads: Microsoft LAN Manager. The reverse is gold-colored metal and stamped: UNION MADE DISTRICT 65 SIMCO NV UAW.
Description
This rectangular lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp. It has a blue background, a gold border, and gold text that reads: Microsoft LAN Manager. The reverse is gold-colored metal and stamped: UNION MADE DISTRICT 65 SIMCO NV UAW. The clasp is gold-colored metal.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.704
catalog number
2009.3071.704
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Lapel Pin Advertising Compaq

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
maker
Compaq
ID Number
1987.3128.082
nonaccession number
1987.3128
catalog number
1987.3128.082

Aldus Pagemaster Lapel Pin

This rectangular lapel pin has a safety clasp. A black strip across the top has gold text that reads "ALDUS. PAGEMASTER. 5.0" above a grid pattern of eight rectangles in different colors, such as red, blue, blue-green, and black.
Description
This rectangular lapel pin has a safety clasp. A black strip across the top has gold text that reads "ALDUS. PAGEMASTER. 5.0" above a grid pattern of eight rectangles in different colors, such as red, blue, blue-green, and black. Each rectangle contains an image in gold, such as a cursor arrow, a circle, and the letter "A". The reverse is of gold-colored metal, as is the clasp.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2009.3071.748
catalog number
2009.3071.748
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Software

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1978
ID Number
2012.3098.097
catalog number
2012.3098.097
nonaccession number
2012.3098

Software on Cartridge for the VIC-20, 16K Memory Expander

"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

Hewlett-Packard HP 34C Programmable Handheld Electronic Calculator

This programmable handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and thirty sloping rectangular plastic keys. The model was introduced in July 1979 and sold through 1983.
Description
This programmable handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and thirty sloping rectangular plastic keys. The model was introduced in July 1979 and sold through 1983. Most keys take on different meanings if the gold "f" shift key, the blue "g" shift key or the black "h" key is pressed. The calculator has limited programming capabilities. It also has “continuous memory,” which allows limited storage of programs when the calculator is turned off. The calculator featured solve and integrate functions not found on previous calculators.
Behind the keyboard are an on/off switch, a program/run switch, and an LED display. A mark on the front edge reads: hp HEWLETT • PACKARD 34C.
The socket for the battery adapter is along the top edge. The battery compartment is at the top of the back. The back also has four rubber feet. Text on the back reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 2252S33344. Another mark reads: MADE IN (/) SINGAPORE. The first four digits of the serial number indicate that the calculator was made in the 52d week of 1982.
The calculator has a black zippered case with a belt loop. A mark on it reads: hp. It also has a power adapter. A mark on it reads in part: 2213 (/) INPUT (/) 90-120V AC (/) 50-60 HZ (/) HEWLETT-PACKARD (/) 82087B (/) CLASS 2 TRANSFORMER (/) MADE IN SINGAPORE.
The following documentation accompanies the calculator:
1. The leaflet HP-34C Quick Reference Card, published in May of 1979.
2. The spiral-bound HP-34C Owner’s Handbook and Programming Guide, published in 1979 and revised in 1980.
3.A pamphlet HP-34C Applications, published in 1982.
4.A pamphlet Solving Problems with Your Hewlett-Packard Calculator, published in 1980.
This device is part of a series that included the HP-31E, the HP-32E, the HP-33E, the HP-33C, the HP-34C, the HP-37E, the HP-38E and the HP-38C. Compare 1987.0435.09 (an HP-25) and 1987.0435.11 (an HP-33E), and 1987.0435.12 (an HP-33C).
The donor of the calculator, Kim Tracy, purchased it as an engineering student. By this time, he also had access to electronic computers, but used the calculator quite heavily.
References:
W.A.C. Mier-Jedrzejowicz, A Guide to HP Handheld Calculators and Computers , Tustin, California: Wilson/Burnett Publishing, 1997, p. 60, 132.
Accession File.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1982
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
2014.0179.02
catalog number
2014.0179.02
accession number
2014.0179

Button, I Believe in GDN Global Data Networking From 3Com

This circular button has black text on a pale blue background with a yellow world grid that reads: I Believe in GDN Global Data Networking From 3Com".Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a pale blue background with a yellow world grid that reads: I Believe in GDN Global Data Networking From 3Com".
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.328
catalog number
2009.3071.328
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, PictureTel LIVE PCS 100

This square button has a yellow and green background with black text that reads: PictureTEL and red and blue text that reads: LIVE PCS 100. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex '93 L.V.Currently not on view
Description
This square button has a yellow and green background with black text that reads: PictureTEL and red and blue text that reads: LIVE PCS 100. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: Comdex '93 L.V.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
c 1993
ID Number
2009.3071.305
catalog number
2009.3071.305
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, Lotus, Notes

This circular button has white text on a black background that reads: Lotus Notes Alliance Partners Value Added Resellers. It only gets better when you do it together. It has an image of people standing on hills throwing paper into the air.
Description
This circular button has white text on a black background that reads: Lotus Notes Alliance Partners Value Added Resellers. It only gets better when you do it together. It has an image of people standing on hills throwing paper into the air. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: NW Boston 2/91.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1991
ID Number
2009.3071.122
catalog number
2009.3071.122
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Advertising Button, SIDEWAYS

This circular button has white text on a light blue background. It reads: I Do It SIDEWAYS with My IBM PC. Further text reading "SIDEWAYS" runs from the top to the bottom of button and is printed sideways. Other text reads left to right.
Description
This circular button has white text on a light blue background. It reads: I Do It SIDEWAYS with My IBM PC. Further text reading "SIDEWAYS" runs from the top to the bottom of button and is printed sideways. Other text reads left to right. Text written in black permanent marker on the reverse side of the button reads: '87?.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1987
maker
IBM
ID Number
2009.3071.006
catalog number
2009.3071.006
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, I Tried J-Mouse

This circular button has black text on a pink background that reads: I Tried J Mouse. It has a grey image of a J computer key with a computer mouse symbol.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a pink background that reads: I Tried J Mouse. It has a grey image of a J computer key with a computer mouse symbol.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.378
catalog number
2009.3071.378
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Button, Telebit!modems

This circular button has red text on a white background that reads: telebit!modems. A mark on the reverse reads: NW Boston '89.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has red text on a white background that reads: telebit!modems. A mark on the reverse reads: NW Boston '89.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1989
ID Number
2009.3071.223
catalog number
2009.3071.223
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Sharp Model OZ-7200 Electronic Organizer

As early as 1977 Sharp Corporation had combined the functions of a handheld electronic calculator, a clock telling time worldwide, and a stop watch.
Description
As early as 1977 Sharp Corporation had combined the functions of a handheld electronic calculator, a clock telling time worldwide, and a stop watch. In the late 1980s, it began to sell more elaborate “electronic organizers.” This example had a built-in calendar, schedule, listing for telephone numbers, memo pad, world clock, local clock, and calculator. It also was possible to purchase additional “IC cards” which expanded the memory, offered language translation, and provided a dictionary and thesaurus. The device also could be linked to a printer or a microcomputer.
The organizer has a black plastic case that opens to reveal a keyboard on the right and a display with a space for additional cards on the left. A mark at the center of the left side reads: SHARP OZ-7200 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR WIZARD. A mark above the display reads: 64KB. A mark on the bottom reads: OZ-7200 SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN (/) Lic. U.S. Pat. 4117542. This patent, filed by Judah Klausner and Robert Hotto, both of New York, New York, was granted in 1978. The serial number of this calculator is: 9703190X.
Inside the cardboard box holding the calculator is also an operation manual. It has a copyright date of 1989.
This example was purchased by the Information Age exhibition at the National Museum of American History in April 1990. It was not used. This product was a successor to the Sharp PA-7000 organizer, first sold in 1987.
References:
[Advertisement], New York Times, May 2, 1990, p. A2. Sharp OZ-7200 selling for $279.98.
[Advertisement}, Chicago Tribune, July 10, 1991, p. D19. Sharp OZ-7200 on sale for $159.00.
Kathryn B. Hiesinger and Felice Fischer, Japanese Design: A Survey Since 1950, Philadelphia; Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1994, p. 176.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1990
maker
Sharp Corporation
ID Number
1991.0081.01
catalog number
1991.0081.01
accession number
1991.0081

Texas Instruments 9131 Power Adapter

This black plastic power adapter has metal prongs to fit into a wall socket and a plastic-covered plug to fit into a calculator. A mark on the object reads in part: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) POWER (/) SUPPLY (/) ASSY IN U.S.A.
Description
This black plastic power adapter has metal prongs to fit into a wall socket and a plastic-covered plug to fit into a calculator. A mark on the object reads in part: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) POWER (/) SUPPLY (/) ASSY IN U.S.A. (/) ADAPTER (/) MODEL AC 9131 (/) 3776.
This model adapter was used with the Texas Instruments SR-40 calculator (for an example see 1986.0988.049) and the Texas Instruments Programmable 59 calculator (for an example see 1990.0609.01).
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
maker
Texas Instruments
ID Number
1986.0988.372
catalog number
1986.0988.372
accession number
1986.0988

Hewlett-Packard HP-28C Handheld Electronic Calculator

This advanced scientific calculator, to use the maker's phrase, was the first graphing handheld electronic calculator made by Hewlett-Packard. It also was the first HP calculator using algebraic expressions and the first to allow integration and differentiation.
Description
This advanced scientific calculator, to use the maker's phrase, was the first graphing handheld electronic calculator made by Hewlett-Packard. It also was the first HP calculator using algebraic expressions and the first to allow integration and differentiation. It was introduced in 1987 and sold into early 1988.
The object has a black plastic case hinged along the left edge. Opening it reveals a double keyboard. Thirty-five sloping rectangular keys are on the left side and another thirty-seven on the right. Keys on the left side have letters and symbols; keys on the right include digits, symbols for arithmetic operations, and symbols associated with trigonometry, statistics, plotting, integration, and differentiation.
Above the keyboard on the left is a list of object types (e.g. complex number), symbols used to designate that type (e.g. parenthesis for complex numbers) and examples (e.g. (123.45, 678.90) for the complex number 123.45 + 678.90i). The display on the right side shows four rows of text, indicating what number or command is stored in each of four stacks. The display also can be using to show the graph of functions. A mark above it reads: hp HEWLETT (/) PACKARD 28C.
The battery cover is on the right side. A mark on the back reads: COMPLIES WITH THE LIMITS FOR A CLASS B (/) COMPUTING DEVICE PURSUANT TO SUBPART (/) J OF PART 15OF ICC RULES (/) ATI confrome classe B 2729A04383 (/) MADE IN USA. The serial number indicates the device was made in the 29th week of 1987.
Programming for the calculator – both internally and by users – was in a programming language known as RPL (Reverse Polish Lisp or ROM-based Procedural Language), a variation on the programming language LISP.
For related documentation, see 1999.0291.02. For an example of the closely related calculator that succeeded it, the HP-28S, see 2012.0063.01. The HP28-C sold for $235.
This HP28C was used by Professor Norton Starr, who taught mathematics at Amherst College in Massachusetts.
References:
W.A.C. Mier-Jedrzejowicz, A Guide to HP Handheld Calculators and Computers , Tustin, California: Wilson/Burnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 84–87, 133.
David G. Hicks, The Museum of HP Calculators, http://www.hpmuseum.org/, accessed July, 2014.
Yves Nievergelt, “The Chip with the College Education: the HP-28C,” The American Mathematical Monthly, vol. 94, # 9, November 1987, pp. 895–902.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1987
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
1999.0291.01
accession number
1999.0291
catalog number
1999.0291.01

Button, Don't Let NetWorld Pass You By

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
1987.3128.203
nonaccession number
1987.3128
catalog number
1987.3128.203

Interactive Button, Just Say It! Nothing Speaks Louder Than Words!

This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Just Say It! Nothing Speaks Louder Than Words!. It has an illustration of a face in yellow, blue, and red. At the bottom is the blue and black Interactive logo.Currently not on view
Description
This circular button has black text on a white background that reads: Just Say It! Nothing Speaks Louder Than Words!. It has an illustration of a face in yellow, blue, and red. At the bottom is the blue and black Interactive logo.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990s
ID Number
2009.3071.213
catalog number
2009.3071.213
nonaccession number
2009.3071

Personal Digital Assistant, Apple Cadillac PDA

This portable, pen-operated personal digital assistant has a black plastic case and a clear screen. A space for an electronic pen is above the screen, although the pen presently with the device does not fit into the space.
Description
This portable, pen-operated personal digital assistant has a black plastic case and a clear screen. A space for an electronic pen is above the screen, although the pen presently with the device does not fit into the space. The pen can be plugged in to either the left or the right side of the Cadillac.
Below the screen is an Apple logo. A tag on the left of the screen reads: SEUTØ13. A tag on the back reads: SEUTØ13 (/) IC.
The Cadillac is a manufacturer’s prototype of the Newton personal digital assistant – Apple would sell the Newton from 1993 until 1998. This example of the Cadillac was owned by Rodney Sol Furmanski (1963-2009), a mechanical engineer by training who worked at Claris as a test engineer. He used the object to test the Newton operating system.
Source:
Accession file.
date made
ca1990
maker
Apple Computer, Inc.
ID Number
2010.0023.1
accession number
2010.0023
catalog number
2010.0023.1

Mainframe Computer Component, Vacuum Tube Socket 250:25 P5

This socket has a plastic case and eight protruding metal pins. The other end from the pins is open.The object is associated with Margaret Fox and may come from the SEAC computer.Currently not on view
Description
This socket has a plastic case and eight protruding metal pins. The other end from the pins is open.
The object is associated with Margaret Fox and may come from the SEAC computer.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2013.3034.05
catalog number
2013.3034.05
nonaccession number
2013.3034

Hewlett-Packard HP-65 Handheld Electronic Calculator

This programmable scientific handheld electronic calculator was Hewlett-Packard’s third model of a handheld scientific calculator (after the HP-35 and HP-45), and its first programmable handheld calculator.
Description
This programmable scientific handheld electronic calculator was Hewlett-Packard’s third model of a handheld scientific calculator (after the HP-35 and HP-45), and its first programmable handheld calculator. Hewlett-Packard staff dubbed it a “personal computer.”
The gray plastic case holds a keyboard with thirty-five keys at the front, two switches, and a display. The keys are square or rectangular on top and slope downward at the front. Many of them may take on three meanings. One is shown on the top of the key, in black or white, one shown on the sloping front of the key in blue, and the third shown in gold behind the key on the keyboard.
The lower part of the keyboard includes data entry keys for ten digits; as well as decimal point, enter, enter exponent, and clear display keys. It also has keys for the four arithmetic operations. Pressing the R/S (run/stop) key in the bottom right corner begins program execution.
Above this set of keys are prefix keys (function, inverse function, store, recall, a second function) which are followed by other keystrokes to complete a command. Above these are five keys for programming – DSP (to format the display), GTO (go to), LBL (label), RTN (return) and SST (single step). Above this are five lettered keys that stand for user-definable functions or subroutines. Behind the keyboard are the on/off switch and a second switch that may be set for writing programs or for running them.
Behind the keyboard is a red LED display for up to ten significant digits, plus two-digit exponent and appropriate signs for both.
The HP-65 was specifically designed to assist in repeated calculations required in such disciplines as science, engineering, finance, statistics, mathematics, navigation, medicine, and surveying. Toward that end, it contained a small magnetic card reader and recorder. Users who had worked out a series of commands they wished to reuse could save the program to a magnetic card. The cards are 7.2 cm. w. x 1.1 cm. d. and made out of mylar coated with a layer of ferric oxide. Programs could have up to one hundred steps. A variety of prewritten programs were available for purchase.
The back of the calculator has an outlet for a power adapter, a battery case, and a sticker that reads in part: HEWLETT-PACKARD HP-65 USER AIDS. A sticker below this one reads: HEWLETT•PACKARD (/) SER. NO. 1608S 02068. The first four digits of the serial number indicate that the calculator was made in the eighth week (March) of 1976. The S signifies manufacture in Singapore.
The calculator has a battery charger and AC adapter, as well as a battery pack that holds three batteries (the batteries were decaying and discarded). A transparent plastic box labeled “STANDARD PAC” contains forty magnetic cards. Nineteen of these are fixed programming cards, one is for cleaning, and the remaining cards for programs by the user. The spiral-bound HP-65 Quick Reference Guide is copyrighted 1974. Also part of the object is a metal security cradle that can be taped or screwed to a desk or other stand. It also could be held via a security cord. The calculator cord (and the security cord, if it was used) were set in holes in the back of cradle and the cradle then locked with a key, making theft more difficult. The cradle is in a box with screws, tape, the security cord, and paper instructions.
The HP-65 sold for $795.
References:
Chung C. Tung, “The ‘Personal Computer’: A Fully Programmable Pocket Calculator,” Hewlett-Packard Journal, May 1974, pp. 2–7. Further articles in this issue of the journal discuss other aspects of the HP-65 calculator.
W.A.C. Mier-Jedrzejowicz, A Guide to HP Handheld Calculators and Computers , Tustin, California: Wilson/Burnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 42–44, 132.
David G. Hicks, The Museum of HP Calculators, http://www.hpmuseum.org/, accessed July, 2014.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1976
maker
Hewlett-Packard Company
ID Number
2011.0023.01
accession number
2011.0023
catalog number
2011.0023.01

Software, Comproc - Command Processor

Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1979
ID Number
2012.3098.082
catalog number
2012.3098.082
nonaccession number
2012.3098

Microsoft Button, hDC The Windows Specialists

This circular button is a holographic button with the words The Windows Specialists alternating with the hDC logo. On a grey speckled background are images of white boxes, a yellow stripe of paint, and other colored shapes.
Description
This circular button is a holographic button with the words The Windows Specialists alternating with the hDC logo. On a grey speckled background are images of white boxes, a yellow stripe of paint, and other colored shapes. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: CDX '90.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
c 1990
maker
Microsoft Corporation
ID Number
2009.3071.283
catalog number
2009.3071.283
nonaccession number
2009.3071

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