Computers & Business Machines
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
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Tandy 1400 Personal Computer LT
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1987
- maker
- Tandy Corporation
- ID Number
- 2014.0090.01
- accession number
- 2014.0090
- catalog number
- 2014.0090.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Casio FX-700P Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- Casio Computer Company manufactured desktop calculators with scientific functions from at least 1972, when it sold its FX-1. This machine was sold by Sperry Remington as the Remington 1259S (see 2011.0108.01). In 1974, Casio introduced a handheld scientific calculator, the FX-10 (also sold by Remington as the SSR8). Casio continued to manufacture such calculators as well as simpler devices designed to do arithmetic.
- In the 1970s Hewlett Packard, Compucorp, Texas Instruments and Casio began selling calculators in which a series of key commands could be combined into programs. In 1982, Casio introduced this calculator, the Casio FX-700P, which could be programmed using the programming language BASIC. The metal device with plastic trim has digit and arithmetic function keys on the right, and a full alphabetic keyboard and further function keys left of this. The on/off key is toward the left and the liquid crystal display above this. The display showed up to twelve characters.
- An connection that allows one to plug in a power adapter, a thermal printer, or a cassette recorder is at the top edge, although this example has none of these attachments. A mark on the upper right side reads: CASIO (/) PROGRAMMABLE CALCULATOR (/) FX-700P.
- Each key on the keyboard could be read in several ways or, to use Casio’s phrase, modes. Pressing a key entered number or letter indicated. Pressing a key and the red “symbol” mode key entered one of a series of symbols, program commands, or program numbers (up to ten programs could be stored in the calculator). Pressing a key and the blue “function” mode key allowed one to find trigonometric functions, logarithms, exponents, squares, fractions and so on. Finally, using the decimal point key and the mode key allowed one to enter letters in small typeface and a variety of other symbols.
- Unscrewing screws on the back of the calculator allows one to change the two small, squat batteries. A mark on the back reads: CASIO FX-700P (/) RATING: DC 8V 0.02W (/) use BATTERY 3Vx2 (/) MADE IN JAPAN (/) BM CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
- According to a review in Creative Computing in December of 1983, the Casio FX-700P with cassette interface, thermal printer and a Multipac solftware package sold retail for about $200.
- This example of the device was owned by Richard C. Roberts, a professor of mathematics at the University of Maryland Baltimore County and the father of the donor.
- For related documentation, see 2012.3068.01.
- References:
- The Casio FX-700P is discussed on several websites, including http://www.old-computers.com/museum/computer.asp?c=1002&st=1 , http://www.casio-calculator.com/Museum/ByYear/1982.html , and Viktor T. Toth, Programmable Calculators, http://www.rskey.org/.
- David H. Ahl, “Casio FX-700P,” Creative Computing, 9 #12, December, 1983, p. 20.
- Stephen Kiehl, “Richard Roberts,” Baltimore Sun, March 31, 2008.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1982
- maker
- Casio Computer Company
- ID Number
- 2012.0136.01
- accession number
- 2012.0136
- catalog number
- 2012.0136.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Kaypro 2000 Microcomputer
- Description
- The Kaypro 2000 was the company’s first MS-DOS/IBM compatible microcomputer and their only laptop. Previous Kaypro devices were CP/M based and the maker was one of a few to offer hardware and software together at one price. The complete application software package included MS-DOS, WordStar, Mailmerge, CalcStar (spreadsheet), InfoStar+ (database), MS GW-BASIC, and Tutors and Lessons.
- This laptop unit has a black brushed-aluminum case with beveled sides and is surrounded by a ridged black rubber guard. A gap in the guard on the left side permits access to an asynchronous serial port. In the back, an integral carrying handle is built into the guard. On the bottom are two RJ11 telephone jacks and a one-hundred pin connector (covered with a plastic shield) for use with Kaypro 2000 accessories. An integral battery provided about four hours of use. The basic model had 256Kb of memory but could be upgraded to 768Kb.
- Power came on when the cover was raised. To open the cover, latches on each side were released simultaneously and the front of the case raised. The computer automatically searched for the start-up diskette in the internal drive, a 720Kb 3.5 inch diskette drive located on the right side behind the keyboard. The drive had a top mounted latch and when released the drive popped up for inserting disks. The user had approximately 35 seconds to insert a diskette before a reminder tone sounded. Within a few minutes, if no keystroke or diskette was detected, the laptop shut down automatically.
- The high resolution LCD screen had two positions controlled by the lid release button at the bottom right of the screen. The screen displayed 80 columns and 25 lines of data. The lid release button was also used to close the laptop.
- The removable keyboard connected to the unit by a coiled cord. Feet on the back edges of the keyboard allowed it to be elevated. The Kaypro 2000 was designed to be controlled entirely from the keyboard which is configured with a row of function keys along the top, a typewriter-style keyboard in the center, and an area for cursor control keys to the right.
- The base unit was an accessory for the Kaypro 2000 and provided the user with greatly expanded storage space and the ability to add options such as a color graphics card. This unit contained a 10Mb hard drive, a 5 ¼ inch floppy disk drive, two serial ports, and two expansion slots. When in use, the laptop was placed on top of the base and communicated via the one-hundred pin connector.
- The donor purchased this microcomputer in 1985 and used it when attending the US Air Force Academy and for several years of active duty service. While at the academy, he earned money typing papers for classmates.
- References:
- obsoletecomputermuseum.org/k2000 [last accessed 8/8/2017]
- “Kaypro Released An MS-DOS Laptop,” InfoWorld, March 3, 1980, pgs. 42-43.
- Accession file: 2017.0161
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 2017.0161.01
- ca 1980
- maker
- Kaypro Corporation
- ID Number
- 2017.0161.01
- accession number
- 2017.0161
- catalog number
- 2017.0161.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Casio fx-7500G Handheld Electronic Calculator with Manual
- Description
- This folding handheld electronic calculator is part of Casio’s family of graphing calculators. It operates in a total of six possible modes, ranging from simple arithmetic computations to alphabetic program entry to a variety of mathematical and statistical functions. The flat plastic keypad includes digit keys in the center of the base, arithmetic function keys to the right of the digit keys, and mode keys to the left. On the top right are a variety of function keys. The display is left of these. A mark above the display reads: CASIO GRAPHICS. A mark below the keypad on the base reads: SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR fx-7500G. A mark on the lid of the case reads: CASIO fx-7500G. A mark on the base reads: MADE IN JAPAN (/) FABRIQUE AU JAPON. Changing the batteries requires removing the base.
- According to a 1989 advertisement in Science magazine, the fx-7500 then sold for $109.95, compared to $89.95 for the fx-7000G. The former had a larger memory capacity, with 195 functions, 4,006 memory steps, and instant graph enlargement or reduction.
- The fx-7500G OWNER’S MANUAL published by Casio accompanies this object. It is not dated.
- Reference:
- “Graphic proof of high-tech leadership [advertisement],” Science, new series 245, #4924, September 22, 1989, p.1334.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1989
- maker
- Casio Computer Company
- ID Number
- 2012.0063.02
- accession number
- 2012.0063
- catalog number
- 2012.0063.02
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Texas Instruments 1750 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a light metal case with an array of twenty-three rectangular plastic keys. It was part of the Texas Instruments Slimline series. The calculator has ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, a change sign key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear entry/clear key, a square root key, a percentage key, and four memory keys. A mark at the top of the keyboard reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS. A mark at the base of the keyboard reads: TI-1750. Behind the keyboard an eight-digit LCD display.
- A sticker on the back of the calculator reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) electronic calculator (/) USE SILVER OXIDE BATTERIES: S-76, G-13 (/) SERIAL NO. (/) 127 819433 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Unscrewing two screws at the top of the back reveals a circuit board that is marked in part: SANSYU (/) SELECT (/) KB-6511-01. There is no mark on the chip.
- The calculator has a dark brown plastic jacket.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, July 9, 1977, p. C2. TI-1750 sells for $19.95.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, November 27, 1977, p. W10. TI-1750 selling for $17.99, regularly $20.99.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, July 27, 1978, p. G16. TI-1750 selling for $19.95.
- [Advertisement], Atlanta Constitution, August 31, 1979, p. 15A. TI-1750 on sale for $18, originally $30.
- [Advertisement], Atlanta Constitution, August 31, 1980, p. 23A. TI-1750 on sale for $13.99, regularly $19.99.
- [Advertisement], Boston Globe, April 26, 1981, p. 23. TI-1750 on sale for $12.88, regularly $20.88.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1977-1981
- maker
- Texas Instruments
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.327
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.327
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Sanyo MBC-1000 Microcomputer
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980s
- maker
- Sanyo Electric Company
- ID Number
- 2012.0092.01
- accession number
- 2012.0092
- catalog number
- 2012.0092.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sanyo CX 1231 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- The dark brown plastic case of this handheld electronic calculator has a metal inset around the display. The calculator has twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, a % key, a square root key, a change sign key, and three memory keys. The top row of keys also has the on and off keys. Behind this is an eight-digit LCD display. Text behind this reads: SANYO (/) CX 1231. There is no provision for a power adapter.
- The back has a compartment for two AA batteries. Text molded in the case reads in part: SANYO CX 1231 (/) INPUT: DC 3V (TWO “AA” SIZE BATTERIES) (/) POWER: DC 0.00012W (/) SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD. BM (/) MADE IN JAPAN / FABRIQUE AU JAPON. A sticker below this reads: No 0086865.
- Reference:
- [Advertisment], Los Angeles Times, October 31, 1980, p. N8. Calculator on sale for $7.00.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980
- maker
- Sanyo Electric Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.180
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.180
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Casio Mini Card LC-78 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This credit card-sized, lightweight handheld electronic calculator has an aluminum case, plastic keys and display cover, a plastic circuit board, and various metal circuitry. In addition to an array of ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key, it has a column of four arithmetic function keys immediately to the right of the digit keys, and a column with a percentage key and three memory keys on the far right. The on/off switch is above the keyboard and the AC (all clear) and clear keys are left of the digit keys. The eight-digit liquid crystal display is above and to the left of the keyboard. A mark below it reads: CASIO- MINI CARD (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) LC-78. A mark on the back reads: CASIO-MINI CARD (/) BM 1.5V x 2 (DC) 0.0006W (/) CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. (/) LC-78 MADE IN JAPAN.
- A screw on the right side of the back holds it to the front. Unscrewing it reveals the circuitry and a space for two squat cylindrical batteries. A sticker on the inside of the back of the case reads: 4595189. A mark on the chip reads: B6.
- According to an October, 1978, advertisement in the Los Angeles Times, the Casio LC78 was regularly priced at $29.99 and then on sale for $26.99. A December, 1978, advertisement in the same newspaper is entitled “For someone you love who loves being accurate: the math machines.” It describes several calculators, including the LC78. It gives a price of $29.99. By June 1980, the Washington Post lists a sale price for the Mini Card of $14.99.
- References:
- Los Angeles Times, October 18, 1978, p. F12.
- Los Angeles Times, December 10, 1978, p. A26.
- Washington Post, June 13, 1980, p. A29.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1978-1980
- maker
- Casio Computer Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.023
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.023
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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The Maxell Two-Minute Warning Edition of John Madden Football computer game for IBM PC/XT/AT, PS/2 30, Tandy 4000.3000.1000 and Compaq
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1989
- ca 1988
- maker
- Electronic Arts
- ID Number
- 2015.3167.02
- catalog number
- 2015.3167.02
- nonaccession number
- 2015.3167
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sharp EL-8145 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- In the second half of the 1970s, taking advantage of the introduction of liquid crystal displays, manufacturers of handheld electronic calculators designed and built ever-thinner products. In this Sharp calculator the usual keys have been replaced by a single thin membrane. This reduces the thickness of the calculator itself to about .3 cm (about 1/8”). Pushing numbers on such a calculator produces no tactile sensation. To give users a sense that they indeed had entered information, the calculator could be set so that a tone sounded whenever a digit or function was entered. Pushing the section of the membrane with a musical note on it (called the sensor key) activated this part of the calculator.
- The credit card-sized calculator has a total of twenty-six “keys.” To the left are ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a % key, four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys, and a total key. Right of these are an off key, an on/clear key, a sensor key, a clear entry key, a STR key for storing a number in the memory, and a COMP key for computing conversions by multiplying the stored value by the value in the display. These last two keys are labeled: STORAGE COMPUTER.
- Behind the key membrane on the left side is the eight-digit LCD display. Text next to it reads: SHARP EL-8145.
- Text on the back of the calculator reads: SHARP (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR U.S. Pats. 390169 & 3976994 (/) EL-8145 No. (/) 86408458. It also reads: SHARP CORPORATION MADE IN JAPAN. The most recent U.S. patent number listed, 3976994, was issued in 1976 and assigned to Sharp.
- The calculator ran on two squat cylindrical silver oxide batteries.
- The instrument fits into a black plastic wallet. A mark on the front of the wallet reads: SHARP (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. The wallet, in turn, fits into a blue cardboard box. One price tag on the box reads: FRED MEYER (/) $29.95. Another reads: FRED MEYER SALE (/) $19.99.
- Sharp membrane calculators in the collections include 1997.0032.01 (Sharp EL-8152 or EL-8152A), 1987.0435.13 (Sharp EL-8130A) and 1986.0988.316 (Sharp EL-8145).
- References:
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, September 1, 1978. p. C5. “Credit card calculator” advertised as on sale for $34.95.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, November 12, 1978, p. N4. Price given is $32.95. Comparable (less expensive) credit card-sized calculators mentioned in the ad are the National Semiconductor NS 102 and the Casio LC-78.
- [Advertisemnt], Los Angeles Times, October 20, 1979, p. D7. Price for calculator listed as $25.95.
- [Advertisemnt], Los Angeles Times, February 17, 1980, p. C9. Price of calculator listed as $28.88.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1978-1980
- maker
- Sharp Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.316
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.316
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sharp EL-218 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This battery-operated handheld electronic calculator has a white plastic case with twenty-three rectangular gray plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a clear key, a clear entry key, three memory keys, a square root key, and a % key. The on/off switch is to the left on the top row of the keyboard. Behind the keys is an eight-digit LCD display. A tag behind this reads: SHARP (/) ELSI-MATE EL-218.
- Pushing along the top edge allows one to open the case, revealing a place for a nine-volt battery. A chip beneath the place for the battery reads: LI2071A (/) SHARP IC2 025. A mark on the back of the case reads in part: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-218. Further text reads: NO 1V416574 (/) SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN BM.
- Reference:
- [Advertisement],
, September 30, 1981, p. K1. Sharp EL-218 selling for $6.00. - Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1981
- maker
- Sharp Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.134
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.134
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Casio LC-785 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This credit card-sized, lightweight handheld electronic calculator has an aluminum case and brown plastic keys. In addition to an array of ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key, it has a column of four arithmetic function keys immediately to the right of the digit keys, and a column with a percentage key and three memory keys on the far right. The square root, C (clear), and AC (all clear) keys are left of the digit keys. The on/off switch is next to the AC key.
- The eight-digit liquid crystal display is above and to the left of the keyboard. A mark below it reads: CASIO LC-785 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. A mark on the back reads: CASIO LC-785B (/) BM MADE IN JAPAN RATING: DC 3V 0.00025W (/) USE BATTERY 1.5Vx2.
- A screw on the left side of the back holds it to the front. Unscrewing it reveals the circuitry. A sticker on the inside of the back of the case reads: 1D202A.
- The calculator fits in a leather pouch which also has a booklet of instructions printed in English, German, French, Spanish and Italian. A mark on the pouch reads: CASIO.
- Several advertisements for the LC-785 appeared in late 1981. None found specifically mentions the LC-785B. The Casio website lists the LC-785 as a product of Casio in 1982.
- References:
- Washington Post, October 23, 1981, p. B10. This gives a regular price of $13.95 and a sale price of $11.95.
- Los Angeles Times, October 31, 1981, p. D3. This gives a regular price of $12.95.
- Los Angeles Times, November 29, 1981, p. G26. This gives a regular price of $16.99 and a sale price of $10.99.
- Casio website http://www.casio-calculator.com/Museum/ByYear/1982.html .
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1981-1982
- maker
- Casio Computer Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.187
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.187
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sharp EL-8152 A Elsi-Mate Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- In the second half of the 1970s, taking advantage of the introduction of liquid crystal displays, manufacturers of handheld electronic calculators designed and built ever-thinner products. In this Sharp calculator the usual keys have been replaced by a single thin membrane. This reduces the thickness of the calculator itself to about .16 cm (less than 1/8”). Pushing numbers on such a calculator produces no tactile sensation. To give users a sense that they indeed had entered information, the calculator could be set so that a tone sounded whenever a digit or function was entered. Pushing the section of the membrane with a musical note on it (called the sensor key) activated this part of the calculator.
- The calculator has a total of twenty-six “keys” In addition to the sensor key, these include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and three memory keys. Behind these are a % key, and a clear entry key, as well as a STR key for storing a number in the memory and a COMP key for computing conversions by multiplying the stored value by the number shown on the display. Behind these are keys for off and for on/clear. Text next to these last two keys reads: ELSI MATE (/) EL-8152 (/) STORAGE COMPUTER. Behind this is the eight-digit LCD display. Text behind this reads: SHARP.
- Text on the back of the calculator reads: SHARP (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-8152. It also reads: SHARP CORPORATION MADE IN JAPAN BM. The most recent U.S. patent number listed is 3976994, a patent issued in 1976 and assigned to Sharp. A label below this reads: 07004741. The calculator ran on two squat cylindrical silver oxide batteries.
- The calculator has a dark blue cloth carrying case. Text on the front of it reads: SHARP. This case, in turn, fits into a cardboard box with a small pamphlet. The cover of the manual reads: SHARP COMPET ELSI MATE (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-8152 (/) INSTRUCTION MANUAL. Also included loose in the manual is a warning not to carry the calculator in a back pocket. The sleeve for the box reads: SHARP (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-8152 A.
- An example of the Sharp EL-8152 was shown in a 1994 exhibition on modern Japanese design, held at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
- Sharp membrane calculators in the collections include 1997.0032.01 (Sharp EL-8152 or EL-8152A), 1987.0435.13 (Sharp EL-8130A), and 1986.0988.316 (Sharp EL-8145).
- References:
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, December 23, 1979, p. B1. Calculator advertised (EL-8152) said to be 1/16” thick, selling for $39.95.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, May 1, 1980, p. 17. This advertisement lists the Sharp EL-8152 calculator (not the EL-8152 A) as on sale for $32.97.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 4, 1980, p. B13. Sharp EL-8152 (not EL-8152 A) advertised as on sale for $39.99.
- Kathryn B. Hiesinger and Felice Fischer, Japanese Design: A Survey Since 1950, Philadelphia; Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1994, p. 123.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1979-1980
- maker
- Sharp Corporation
- ID Number
- 1997.0032.01
- catalog number
- 1997.0032.01
- accession number
- 1997.0032
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Abbott Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This compact handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten white plastic digit keys; a white decimal point key; keys for the four arithmetic functions, percentage, and square roots; clear entry and clear keys; an equals key; a change sign key; and three memory keys. The on/off switch is in the top row of keys, at the left. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit liquid crystal display. A mark above the keyboard reads: ABBOTT.
- Space for two small 1.5 volt batteries is on the left side of the back. A silver-colored sticker attached to the back reads: LIQUID CRYSTAL CALCULATOR (/) 3 x 1.5V SILVER OXIDE BATTERY (/) 0.0004W (/) NO. 28075 MADE IN JAPAN.
- The typeface used for the mark ABBOTT on this calculator is the same as that used in products of the pharmaceutical company Abbott Laboratories in this period.
- Compare APF MARK 1910.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.155
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.155
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Documentation, A Practical Guide to the Tandy 1400 LT
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1986
- ca 1987
- maker
- Tandy Corporation
- ID Number
- 2014.0090.03
- accession number
- 2014.0090
- catalog number
- 2014.0090.03
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Canon LX-30 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This slim handheld electronic calculator has a cream-colored plastic case and gray synthetic rubber keys. In addition to an array of ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a percentage key, four arithmetic function keys, and a total key; it has an on/clear key, a clear indicator key, four memory keys, an off key, and a square root key. A mark behind the keyboard reads: Canon LX-30 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. Behind this mark is an eight-digit liquid crystal display.
- The back slips off to reveal a flat circuit plate and a space for two squat 1.5 volt batteries.
- A stamp on the back reads: Canon LX-30 (/) BM D.C.3V – 0.28mW (/) CANON INC. (/) USE BATTERY 1.5Vx2 (/) JAPAN.
- The calculator fits in a silver-colored plastic sleeve. A mark on the front and the back of the sleeve reads: Canon. This example has no instructions.
- Several web sites give a date of 1982 to1984 for this model.
- Reference:
- See the Datamath.org website.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1983
- maker
- Canon, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.031
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.031
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Radio Shack EC-264 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This small, thin, flat handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and an array of twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. The ten digit keys and decimal point key are white. The total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, change sign key, % key, and square root key are brown. The clear/clear entry key is red. The on/off switch is to the left on the top row of keys.
- Text behind the keyboard reads: Radio Shack. Behind this is an eight-digit LCD display. Text below the keyboard reads: statesman thin LCD.
- A sticker on the back of the case reads: Radio Shack (/) CAT. NO. 65-671 MODEL EC-264 (/) USE 2 TYPE-76 SILVER OXIDE (/) BATTERIES. (RS-CAT. NO. 23-009) (/) JAPAN.
- The calculator fits in a folding wallet. A mark on the back of the wallet reads: Radio Shack.
- Compare 1986.0988.047 and 1986.0988.223.
- Reference:
- Radio Shack, A Tandy Company, 1980 Catalog No. 315, p. 166, accessed September 22, 2014, at radioshackcatalogs.com/. The price listed for the calculator is $24.95.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980
- maker
- Tandy Corporation
- ID Number
- 1987.0435.27
- accession number
- 1987.0435
- catalog number
- 1987.0435.27
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Canon TP-7 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a cream-colored plastic case that is gray around the display. The keyboard includes ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four keys for arithmetic functions, a percentage key, clear and clear indicator (e.g. clear entry) keys, a graph printout key, a non-add key that prints figures not affecting calculations, a square root key, three keys relating to memory, and a total key. Behind the keys are four switches, as well as an all clear key depressed with a pen point after battery replacement.
- Behind this is an eight-digit display. A mark above the display reads: Canon TP-7 (/) POCKET PRINTER. Behind the display is a narrow paper tape
- Text on the back of the case reads: Canon TP-7 (/) BM. It also reads: CANON INC. It also reads: NO. 056273 JAPAN. A compartment for a bank of four AA batteries is at the bottom of the case. A socket for an AC adapter is along the top edge.
- The calculator is stored in a cardboard box with an instruction pamphlet labeled: Canon (/) POCKET PRINTER TP-7. Instructions are given in English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish. Also in the box is a warranty. A number on the back of the instructions reads: 0983B103.
- Also received as part of the object is a box of thermal roll paper for Canon calculators. It contains five rolls of paper.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1983
- maker
- Canon, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.032
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.032
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Toshiba LC-825 II Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has an aluminum case with plastic trim and an array of twenty-four rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a change sign key, and a clear entry/clear key. The on/off switch is to the left in the top row of keys. Text below the keyboard reads: TOSHIBA. Text above the keyboard reads: LC-825II. Behind this is an eight-digit liquid crystal display.
- A sticker on the back of the calculator reads in part: TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) LC-825 II (/) DC 3V 1.5 x 2 0.09mW. It also reads: NO. 207503 BM (/) TOSHIBA CORPORATION JAPAN.
- The calculator is in a plastic wallet that is marked on the front: TOSHIBA. The wallet also contains a leaflet of instructions.
- References:
- According to the www.datamath.org website, as well as the www.calcuseum.com website (both accessed December 4, 2014), this calculator was introduced in 1981.
- No advertisements found.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1981
- maker
- Toshiba Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.200
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.200
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Panasonic JE-330U Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This compact, credit card-sized, handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and an array of twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key; it has four arithmetic function keys, three memory keys, a square root key, a % key, a clear entry key, an off key, and an on/clear key. A mark above the keyboard reads: AUTO POWER OFF. Another mark there reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) JE-330U. Behind this a mark reads: Panasonic. At the top is the LCD display.
- The back of the calculator has a compartment for a lithium battery secured with a screw. Text explains how to replace the battery. Further text reads: Panasonic MODEL JE-330U (/) LITHIUM BATTERY DC 3V 0.15mW (/) MATSUSHITA COMMUNICATION INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD. (/) MADE IN JAPAN (/) No. 27203893.
- The calculator has a cloth carrying case.
- Compare National Semiconductor 99 (1986.0988.234).
- No advertisements found.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980
- maker
- Matsushita Communication Industrial Co., Ltd.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.149
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.149
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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