National Semiconductor 103A Handheld Electronic Calculator

National Semiconductor 103A Handheld Electronic Calculator

<< >>
Usage conditions apply
Downloads
Description
This handheld electronic calculator comes in a checkbook and is designed to assist in balancing checking accounts. It has a total of thirty-one plastic keys. On the left side are ten digit keys, a clear entry/clear key, a decimal point key, and four arithmetic function keys. At the center are a % key, a total key, an off key, an on key, and a DB key. On the right is a row of keys for a checking account for entering checks and deposits, and finding balances. A second row of three keys is for indicating charges, payments, and balances in a charge account. A third row of keys for a second charge account. At the bottom right corner is a grand total key.
Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. To the right of it are three brightly colored dots. Text to the left reads: NSC National Semiconductor 103A.
The back of the calculator is riveted to the calculator, so marks there were not recorded. A mark on the circuit board reads: NS-103B-1 (/) A=5 (/) B=10.
Text on the inside of the checkbook reads: MADE IN TAIWAN. The checkbook also includes space for a pen.
Compare 1986.0988.227 and 1986.0988.336.
References:
Frank Macias, “Calculating Friends: Delegate That Everyday Balancing Act to These Little Guys with Big Brains,” Los Angeles Times, November 19, 1978, p. O64.
[Advertisement], Washington Post, February 13, 1981, p. A41. On sale for $29.95, regularly $34.95.
Object Name
electronic calculator
Other Terms
electronic calculator; Handheld
date made
1978-1981
maker
National Semiconductor Corporation
place made
Taiwan
Physical Description
aluminum (case material)
plastic (keys; pouch material)
Measurements
overall: 3/8 in x 6 in x 2 3/4 in;.9525 cm x 15.24 cm x 6.985 cm
ID Number
1986.0988.148
catalog number
1986.0988.148
accession number
1986.0988
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Computers
Computers & Business Machines
Handheld Electronic Calculators
Exhibition
My Computing Device
Exhibition Location
National Museum of American History
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Nominate this object for photography.   

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.

Comments

I bought this calculator at J.C.Penny in 1978. I have always loved it and I am still using it to this day. I know you probably won’t believe me but I have only replaced the battery twice in all that time. I don’t have the original case, it wore out several years ago. It still works great. I have been looking to replace it but of course they don’t make it anymore. I will continue to use it until the day it no longer works. I would love to find one that is a lot like it but have not been able to do so. So happy to read the history of this calculator.

Peggy Patrick

Thu, 2021-12-09 10:09

Note: Comment submission is temporarily unavailable while we make improvements to the site. We apologize for the interruption. If you have a question relating to the museum's collections, please first check our Collections FAQ. If you require a personal response, please use our Contact page.