Rapidman 800 Handheld Electronic Calculator

Description:

This Canadian-made handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and an array of sixteen square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a clear key, a decimal point key, and four arithmetic function keys. The “+” key also serves as a total key. The on/off switch is behind the keyboard. Behind it is an eight-digit red LED display. The decimal point in the display is fixed. A mark behind the display reads: RAPIDMAN (/) 800. Next to the display is an overflow indicator light. A jack for a power adapter is on the back edge.

At the top of the back of the calculator is a compartment for a nine volt battery. Text on a gold-colored sticker below this gives operating instructions. A mark toward the bottom of the sticker reads: RAPID DATA (/) SYSTEMS & EQUIPMENT LTD. RAPIDMAN 800 (/) SERIAL NO. 237013 (/) PATENT PENDING Made in Canada.

References:

[Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, April 1, 1973, p. 76. Rapidman 800 on sale for $59.95.

[Advertisement], New York Times, April 9, 1972, p. 49. The Rapidman 800 is described in detail. It cost $99.95.

[Advertisement], New York Times, February 14, 1974, p. 52. Rapidman 800 advertised as on sale for $29.95, regularly $49.95.

Terry Robards, “Mini-Calculator Shakeout: Competition Adds Up to Trouble for Investors,” New York Times, October 8, 1972, p. F4. The price of the Rapidman 800 calculator had been $99 a few months previously, was $84 at that time, and was about to fall to $75.

Grace Lichtenstein, “New Calculators Catch Public’s Fancy,” New York Times, October 28, 1972, p. 33.