Casio Personal Mini Handheld Electronic Calculator

Description:

This handheld calculator reflects Casio’s long-standing attempt to bring down the price of such devices. As in the Casio Mini, the display is to the left of the keyboard. The keyboard has an array of ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, and four keys for arithmetic functions that are to the right of the digit keys. Left of the digit keys are an AC (all clear) key, a clear (entry) key, and a key for shifting the display to show further digits in the result.

The on/off switch is above the six-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A mark below the display reads: CASIO personal-mini. A pin along the top edge would link to an adapter.

The back of the calculator has a compartment for two batteries. Text to the left of the compartment, stamped upside down, reads: personal-mini (/) BATTERY SUPPLY 1.5Vx2 or (/) use AC ADAPTOR AD-2S (/) .18W MADE IN JAPAN (/) BM CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. A sticker on the back of the compartment cover reads: 6643235. A sticker inside the compartment reads: 0503531.

The calculator fits in a black plastic sleeve. A mark on one side of the sleeve reads: CASIO. A mark on the other side reads: MADE IN JAPAN.

A March 1975 advertisement in the Washington Post describes a Casio Personal Mini very similar to this one. The advertising text indicates that the instrument took squares, powers, and reciprocals. However, the keyboards of the calculator shown and of this calculator have no special keys for these functions. The calculator sold for $19.95. Another advertisement for the Casio Personal Mini appeared in the New York Times in January of 1976. No details are given other than a price of $13.50.

References:

New York Times, January 25, 1976, p. 104.

Vintage Technology website.

Washington Post, March 23, 1975, p. A20.