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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Canon Model P7-D Desktop Electronic Calculator
- Description
- By 1980 compact printing electronic calculators like this one offered an inexpensive alternative for businesses and individuals doing arithmetic. The compact, lightweight, printing desktop electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with a 0 key, a decimal point key, and a percentage key below this. Further keys are for arithmetic functions, memory, and cancellation.The print switch is directly in front of the 11-digit display. Behind the display is the printing unit. It's paper tape is 4 cm. (1.5 inches) wide.The printer uses regular paper.
- The device is tagged on the front: Canon P7-D. A mark stamped into the base at the back reads: 795333. A plastic tag in front of this reads: Canon P7-D. It also reads: JAPAN. The calculator operates either from nickel-cadmium batteries or through an adapter. No adapter is present.
- The Japanese firm of Canon Incorporated introduced a printing electronic calculator, the P10-D, in 1978. This is a lighter version of that machine, with a narrower paper tape, that apparently was introduced in the United States by early 1980. It sold for about $75. In mid-1980 Canon advertised that it sold five versions of its “printer display” or “PalmPrinter” electronic calculators. At least three of these, including the P7-D, were still on sale in 1985.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Popular Science, 212, #3, March 1978, p.23. This is an advertisement for the P10-D.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, January 17, 1980, p. E5.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, January 20, 1980, p. N A10.
- Suzanne Slesin, “Home Beat,” The New York Times, January 31, 1980, p. C3.
- [Advertisement], Popular Science, 216, #7, July, 1980, pp. 38–39.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, May 17, 1985, p. D5.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1980
- maker
- Canon, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.203
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.203
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Casio Hl-809 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- The case of this handheld electronic calculator is a cream-colored plastic on top and a black plastic on the bottom. The keyboard has an array of square brown plastic keys, including ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key. Four keys for arithmetic functions are to the right of the digit keys. A column to the left has a memory key, a percentage key, a C (clear entry) key, and an AC (all clear) key.
- The eight-digit yellow liquid crystal display is behind the keyboard. A tag behind it reads: CASIO HL-809 (/) ELECTRONIC (/) CALCULATOR. A switch is on the left side. The device has no power adapter or socket for one. The calculator was advertised as having the power go off automatically.
- Text on the back of the case reads: CASIO HL-809 (/) RATING: DC 3V=0.00029W (/) use BATTERY 1.5Vx2 (/) MADE IN JAPAN (/) BM CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
- Two screws hold together the front and back of the case. Unscrewing them allows one to change the two AA batteries. (This example has no batteries.) A sticker on the inside of the back of the case reads: 1D307A. A mark on the NEC chip reads: NEC K11159 (/) D187IC.
- An advertisement for a Casio HL-809 published in the Los Angeles Times March 18, 1982, gave a regular price of $8.95 and a sale price of $6.99. Another advertisement from the Washington Post in December of 1982 gave a sale price of $4.44. A March 1983 advertisement in the New York Times gives a clearance sale price of $4.99. As late as April of 1984 this model was advertised as regularly priced at $7.99 and on sale for $4.99.
- Compare 1986.0988.027.
- References:
- Los Angeles Times, March 18, 1982, p. C6.
- New York Times, March 17, 1983, p. A18.
- Washington Post, December 3, 1982, p.B12.
- Washington Post, April 5, 1984, p. A3.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1982-1984
- maker
- Casio Computer Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.028
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.028
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- 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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
Casio Hl-807 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- The case of this handheld electronic calculator is a cream-colored plastic on top and a black plastic on the bottom. The keyboard has an array of square brown plastic keys, including ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key. Four keys for arithmetic functions are to the right of the digit keys. A column to the left of the digit keys has a memory key, a percentage key, a C (clear entry) key, and an AC (all clear) key.
- The eight-digit yellow liquid crystal display is behind the keyboard. A tag behind it reads: CASIO HL-807 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. A switch is on the left side. There is no power adapter or socket for one.
- Text on the back of the case reads: CASIO HL-807 (/) RATING: DC 3V=0.00026W (/) use BATTERY 1.5Vx2 (/) MADE IN JAPAN (/) BM CASIO COMPUTER CO. LTD.
- Two screws (one missing in this example) hold together the front and back of the case. Unscrewing them allows one to change the two AA batteries (this example has no batteries.) A sticker on the inside of the back of the case reads: 2279978. A mark on the Hitachi chip reads: HD43111A (/) 9J 43.
- An advertisement for “Casio’s new HL-807 basic four function, single memory calculator” appeared in the Washington Post November 18, 1979. It is listed as having an original price of $13.95 and on sale for $10.98. Another advertisement for the calculator, from the Los Angeles Times for June 10, 1980, lists the regular price as $15.00 and a sale price of $9.99. The calculator was advertised in the Washington Post as late as September 1981, having a sale price of $8.88.
- Compare 1986.0988.28.
- References:
- Los Angeles Times, June 10, 1980, p. B28.
- Washington Post, November 18, 1979, p. A18.
- Washington Post, September 3, 1981, p. A30.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1979-1981
- maker
- Casio Computer Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.027
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.027
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Texas Instruments TI-1766 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- The TI-1766 was the first solar-powered calculator sold by Texas Instruments. The handheld electronic calculator has a silver-colored metal case and twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, an all clear key, a square root key, a percentage key, a change sign key, and a clear entry/clear key. A mark below the keys reads: LIGHT POWERED. Behind the keys is a solar cell. A mark behind this reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS TI-1766. Behind this is an eight-digit LCD display.
- A sticker on the back of the case reads: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS (/) electronic calculator (/) SOLAR AND LIGHT POWER (/) SERIAL NO. 118063 (/) 093 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Unscrewing the back of the calculator reveals only the back of the chip and the back of the circuit board.
- The calculator has a gray plastic jacket, marked on the back: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS.
- According to the online Datamath Museum, Texas Instruments began selling the TI-1766 in 1981, using a Toshiba chip. A second design appeared the next year and a third in 1983. This calculator does not precisely match any of these designs—the model number is just below the display, not below the keys. It resembles a machine shown in advertisements from 1985 and 1986. The calculator came to the museum in 1987.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, November 28, 1985, p. Z11. Regular price $9.95, sale price $6.97.
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, January 2, 1986, p. B10. The calculator had a regular price of $6.95 and a sale price of $5.90.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1986
- maker
- Texas Instruments
- ID Number
- 1987.0435.06
- catalog number
- 1987.0435.06
- accession number
- 1987.0435
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sharp EL-345 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This solar-powered handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case and an array of twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a % key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a change sign key, a square root key, a clear entry key, and a clear key (the clear key is missing on this example). The top row of keys also includes four memory keys.
- Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display. Behind it is the solar panel. Text at the top of the front reads: SHARP (/) ELSI MATE EL-345 SOLAR CELL CALCULATOR. Text on the back of the calculator reads: EL-345 BM (/) SHARP CORPORATON MADE IN JAPAN (/) FABRIQUE AU JAPON (/) U.S. Pats. 3902169 & 3976994 (/) 3635.
- The calculator fits in a brown plastic wallet. A mark on the cover of the wallet reads: SHARP.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, October 12, 1983, p. Y10_X. Sharp EL-345 advertised as regularly priced at $9.95, on sale for $5.99.
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, September 17, 1985, p. D13. Sharp EL-345 advertised as selling for $5.95.
- [Advertisement], The Montreal Gazette, April 6, 1986, p. 21. Advertised as regularly priced at $9.99, on sale for $7.99 (Canadian dollars).
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1983-1986
- maker
- Sharp Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.137
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.137
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Microcomputer Printer, Okidata Microline 92 Microprinter
- Description
- The OKIDATA Microline 92 printer case is off-white. It connects to the computer using a parallel interface cable.
- This printer supports bidirectional printing, in three font sizes (10, 12, 17.1 characters per inch), and has three quality settings (fast, enhanced, and high quality). Depending on the quality setting chosen, the print speed is either 40, 80, or 160 characters per second. The printer uses friction feed to print on single sheets of paper. An optional tracker feeder could be purchased to print on continuous form paper.
- Components include the parallel interface cable and a power cord. Accessories include two memory proms.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1983-08
- maker
- Okidata
- ID Number
- 2016.0272.03
- catalog number
- 2016.0272.03
- accession number
- 2016.0272
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sharp EL 208 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a tan and orange plastic case, a metal keyboard, and nineteen rectangular plastic keys. The keys include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a % key, a memory key, and a clear entry/clear key. The on/off switch is at the left on the top row of keys. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit LCD display.
- At the top of the back of the calculator is a compartment for a nine-volt battery. Text below it reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-208. Further text reads: NO. 025. The number is on a paper sticker and is difficult to read. Further text reads: SHARP CORPORATION BM (/) MADE IN JAPAN (/) U.S. Pats. 3902169 & 3978994.
- The calculator has a dark brown plastic carrying case.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, December 4, 1980, p. B12. A Sharp EL-208 calculator is on sale for $6.99. The placement of the SHARP label is different in this image than on the example in the collections.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, March 8, 1981, p. M6. Sharp EL-208 on sale for $6.99. The image in the advertisement is of the model of calculator in the collections.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980-1981
- maker
- Sharp Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.314
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.314
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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