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
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NCR Class 18-22 Electronic Calculator
- Description
- In the late 1960s and 1970s, desktop electronic calculators replaced mechanical adding and calculating machines. The Nippon Calculating Machine Corporation of Japan sold such machines under the brand name Busicom. It also supplied other firms with electronic calculators sold under other names. This is a Busicom electronic calculator sold by the Dayton, Ohio, firm of NCR.
- The machine has nine digit keys and a 0 bar. Clear and clear entry keys are left of the digit keys. Keys to the right of the digit keys are for the four arithmetic operations and memory access. Apparently nine or ten digit numbers may be entered, with results of up to twelve digits.
- A tag attached at the top reads: NCR. A tag attached to the back reads; NCR (/) Class 18-22. It also reads: THE NATIONAL CASH REGISTER COMPANY. (/) MADE IN JAPAN. It also reads: NO. 1-9940221. This serial number indicates a date of 1972.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1972
- maker
- Nippon Electric Co.
- ID Number
- 1987.0339.01
- accession number
- 1987.0339
- catalog number
- 1987.0339.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
APF Mark 84 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten white digit keys with a white decimal point key. Right of the digit keys are orange keys for the four aithmetic functions, which also can serve as memory keys. An orange equals/constant key, which can also serve as a memory key, is next to the decimal point key. The top row has keys for percentage, clear entry/clear, and memory. The row also contains an on/off switch. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit (or possibly nine-digit) fluorescent display. A mark at the back reads: aPF MARK 84. The hole for the adapter is on the right side.
- The back of the calculator has a compartment for the battery at the top and two rubber feet at the bottom. A mark on the interior of the battery back reads: 2 (/) JAPAN (/) 0108241. A silver-colored sticker on the back reads: aPF ELECTRONICS, INC. (/) MODEL NO. MARK 84 (/) D.C. 9.0 VOLTS (/) CAUTION: Use only optional (/) A. C. adaptor model 710 or (/) 751S to operate on A. C. (/) SERIAL No: J 0119684 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
- This calculator closely resembles an APF calculator advertised in a March 1977, issue of the Los Angeles Times as selling for $7.99. That advertisement does not give a model number.
- Reference:
- Los Angeles Times, March 19, 1977, p. 15.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1977
- maker
- APF Electronics
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.175
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.175
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Lloyd's E419 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a worn gray plastic case and twenty-four square plastic keys. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key; it has a change sign key, four arithmetic function keys, a percentage key, and four memory keys. The power switch is above this. Text behind this reads LLOYD’S. Behind this is the eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A power jack is on the back edge.
- A compartment at the base of the back would hold four batteries. A sticker above this reads in part: LLOYD’S 6V D.C. 300mW (/) MODEL E419 SERIES 255A. It then gives several examples for operating the calculator. Text below this reads: SERIAL NO. 5F-117623 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
- The calculator has a black carrying case.
- For further information about Lloyd’s Electronics, Inc., see 1986.0988.218.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Albuquerque Journal, July 22, 1976, p. 25. Lloyd’s E419 advertised as on sale for $12.99.
- [Advertisement], San Antonio Express, July 22, 1976, p. 91. Lloyd’s E419 advertised as on sale for $12.99.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1976
- maker
- Lloyd's Electronics
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.217
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.217
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Unisonic 1148 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-six rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, and four memory keys. In addition there are two parenthesis keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a clear/clear entry key, an inverse key, and a squaring key. On the right side next to the two topmost keys is the on/off switch. A mark above this reads: Unisonic 1148.
- A jack for a power supply is along the back edge.
- A sticker on the back of the calculator gives calculation examples. It is marked in part: SERIAL NO. (/) 001202 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. A further mark reads: 1148-A. Below this is a compartment for three AA batteries.
- No advertisements found.
- Reference:
- The BECALC vintage calculator website dates the Unisonic 1148 calculator to 1979.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1979
- maker
- Unisonic
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.290
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.290
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sharp EL-8130 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. This is an early example of a Sharp calculator in which the usual keys had been replaced by a single thin plastic membrane. This reduces the thickness of the calculator itself to about .5 cm (about 1/4”). 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-two “keys” In addition to the sensor key, these include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, four memory keys, a square root key, a % key, and a clear entry key. Behind these are keys for off and on/clear. Text next to these two keys reads: SHARP (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) ELSI MATE EL-8130A. Behind this is the eight-digit LCD display.
- Text on the back of the calculator reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR EL-8130A. It also reads: NO. 87547779 BM (/) SHARP CORPORATION MADE IN JAPAN. The most recent U.S. patent number listed is 3976994, a patent issued in 1976 and assigned to Sharp.
- The calculator has a black leather case. Text on the front of it reads: SHARP (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR.
- 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).
- Reference:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, December 8, 1977, p. WS6. New model EL-8130 calculator selling for $29.95 (no advertisement found for EL-8130A).
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1977-1978
- maker
- Sharp Corporation
- ID Number
- 1987.0435.13
- catalog number
- 1987.0435.13
- accession number
- 1987.0435
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Unisonic 1040-AT Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- Electronic calculators were frequently advertised in March and April as aids to Americans computing personal income taxes. Federal taxes on personal income had been legalized in the United States by the passage of the Sixteenth Amendment to the US Constitution in 1913. A form for calculating these taxes known as the 1040 was introduced soon thereafter, and was widely known by American workers by the 1970s. Hence the name of this calculator.
- This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-six 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, an exchange key, a clear key, and a clear entry key. The keys are the same as those on the Unisonic 1040, although they are arranged slightly differently. Right of the top two keys is an on/off switch. A mark above this reads: Unisonic 1040. Behind this is an eight-digit green fluorescent display.
- A power jack is along the back edge.
- A sticker on the back gives calculation examples. A mark on it reads: 1040-AT. Another mark reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 353519 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is a compartment for four AAA batteries.
- Compare five examples of the Unisonic 1040: 1986.0988.110 (the 1040), 1986.0988.291 (the 1040-1), 1986.0988.292 (the 1040-AT), 1986.0988.109 (the 1040-C), and 1986.0988.108 (the 1040-C). The keys are not identical.
- References:
- For a timeline of historical events relating to personal income taxes, see the website of the Internal Revenue Service at www.irs.gov.
- [Advertisement], Morning Herald [from Hagerstown, Maryland], November 28, 1975, p. 49. Selling Unisonic 1040 for $22.96.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 1, 1977; p. I2. Unisonic 1040 selling for $10.96, regularly $13.96.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1975
- maker
- Unisonic
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.292
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.292
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Casio LC-825 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This compact handheld electronic calculator has an aluminum case with plastic trim and an array of brown plastic keys. In addition to digit keys, a decimal point key, and a total key in a central block, there are four keys for arithmetic functions to the right of the digit keys. A column on the left has percentage, square root, C (clear entry), and AC (all clear) keys. Above these is a power switch and three memory keys. Text behind the keyboard reads: CASIO LC-825 ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. Text below the keyboard reads: LIQUID CRYSTAL. The eight-digit yellow liquid crystal display is above the keyboard.
- A mark on the back reads: BM CASIO LC-875 (/) 1.5Vx2(DC) 0.0003W (/) CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. (/) made in Japan. Unscrewing two screws at the base of the back makes it possible to change the two squat batteries. A sticker on the inside back of the case reads: 0642719.
- The calculator fits in a brown leatherette case. A mark on the outside of the case reads: CASIO (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR.
- The Casio LC-825 was advertised in the Chicago Tribune December 13, 1978, but apparently was not a great success.
- Reference:
- Chicago Tribune, December 13, 1978, p. B5.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1978
- maker
- Casio Computer Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.213
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.213
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- 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
-
Teal 806 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty rectangular plastic keys with rounded corners. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a percentage key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, a D key, and a DC key. Above the keys to the left is an on/off switch. Text behind this reads: Auto Constant. Behind this is an eight-digit green vacuum fluorescent display. Text above this reads: TEAL 806. A jack for a power adapter is along the front edge of the calculator.
- The back of the calculator has a compartment for two AA batteries. Below this is a sticker that reads in part: TEAL 806 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. It also reads in part: NO 209340 (/) TEAL INDUSTRIES, INC. TORRANCE CALIF, 90502 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
- TEAL calculators were made in Japan by Tokyo Electronic Application Laboratory Ltd.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Holland [Michigan] Evening Sentinel, March 8, 1976, p. 17. Teal 806 calculator advertised as on sale for somewhat over $12.
- The calculator.org website (accessed December 1, 2014) says that the Teal 806 was introduced in 1975.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1976
- distributor
- Teal Industries
- maker
- Tokyo Electronic Application Laboratory Ltd.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.216
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.216
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Toshiba LC-850M Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This compact handheld electronic calculator is in the shape of a ruler. It has a metal case 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 key. The eight-digit liquid crystal display is to the left of the keyboard. Text below the display reads: LIQUID cRYSTAL LC-850M (/) TOSHIBA. Tight of this is an on/off/lock switch. The back of the calculator has a clip such as would fit over the edge of a pocket. No serial number found.
- 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 1978, in response to the Texas Instruments TI-1700 dataclip calculator.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1978
- maker
- Toshiba Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.338
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.338
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Unisonic 1212 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of nineteen square plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, an exchange key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, and a clear entry key. It does not include such common slide rule functions as square roots or trigonometric functions.
- A mark behind the keyboard reads: Unisonic 1212 (/) SLIDE RULETTE. Behind this is a green vacuum fluorescent display. A switch and a jack for a power supply are along the back edge. Text on the back reads: Unisonic 1212 (/) RATING 6V-DC 0.6W (/) NO. 046435 (/) MADE IN JAPAN. The digits of the serial number are very difficult to read. Below this is a compartment for four AA batteries.
- Compare 1986.0988.119.
- Reference:
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, May 15, 1974, p. E7. Unisonic 1212 “mini pocket calculator,” regularly priced at $43.96, on sale for $37.88.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1974
- maker
- Unisonic
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.293
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.293
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sperry-Remington 1005-B Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This small desktop electronic calculator has an array of nine digit keys with a zero bar and a decimal point key below. A total key is on the left, and keys for the arithmetic functions and for cancellation are on the right. Behind the keyboard is a 10-digit vacuum fluorescent display.
- The bottom has a cavity that holds five batteries and a red ribbon (the calculator presently has no batteries). A jack for a cord is at the back, but the cord is lacking.
- A mark on the front of the machine reads: SPERRY REMINGTON 1005B. A mark on the bottom reads: SPERRY REMINGTON (/) TM (/) BATTERY SUPPLY 1.5Vx5 (/) or use AC ADAPTOR AD-4160 (/) 1W (/) MODEL 1005-B Made in Japan. A tag inside the lid for the battery case reads: 2101730.
- Compare Casio-101U. An advertisement for the Casio 101U appeared in New York State in 1975.
- References:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, Calif.: Wilson/Barnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 147–148.
- For images of the Casio-101U, see the casio-calculator.com museum.
- [Advertisement], The Courier, Clinton, New York, April 16, 1975, p. 8.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1975
- maker
- Sperry Rand Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.069
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.069
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sharp PC-1201 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This is the first kind of programmable calculator sold by Sharp Corporation. The manufacturer advertised it as a “pocket computer.” The handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with forty rectangular plastic keys. In addition, there are two slides along the right side, one for setting the type of angular measure to be entered (degrees/radians/grads) and the other relating to entering and running programs.
- The scientific calculator has the keys for digits; arithmetic functions; sign change; logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric, and inverse trigonometric functions; summation; powers; square roots; cube roots; pi; factorials; reciprocals; and squares. A 1977 advertisement boast that it has “24+ preprogrammed scientific functions.” In addition, it was possible to enter programs of up to 128 steps and store up to twelve of them in the memory of the calculator. There was no provision for external storage of the programs or for entering or displaying alphabetic characters. The initial price of $89.95 dropped quickly.
- Behind the keyboard is a green vacuum fluorescent display that shows up to twelve digits of a mantissa and two digits of an exponent (in base ten). A mark above the display reads: SHARP ELSI MATE (/) PC-1201. A mark above this reads: SHARP (/) POCKET COMPUTER. An on/off switch is on the left side and a power jack is along the back edge.
- The battery compartment at the top of the back of the calculator holds two AA batteries. Text below it reads in part: POCKET COMPUTER (/) PC-1201. It also reads in part: SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN BM. Below this mark is a silver-colored sticker. A mark below this reads: 75004789.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, September 13, 1977, p. A13. Advertised as on sale for $89.95.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, October 28, 1978, p. C6. Special price on PC-1201 is $79.95.
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, November 11, 1979, p. A10. Closeout sale on a “user programmable pocket computer” made by Sharp that originally sold for $89.95 offers device for $39.35. Looks like this calculator.
- Websites with considerable discussion of this calculator include johnwolff.id.au and rskey.org, both accessed October 30, 2014.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1977-1978
- maker
- Sharp Corporation
- ID Number
- 1987.0435.12
- catalog number
- 1987.0435.12
- accession number
- 1987.0435
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Kings Point SC-40 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- By the mid-1970s, relatively inexpensive scientific calculators were available. Kings Point Corporation of Jersey City, New Jersey, distributed this Japanese-made machine. It has a white plastic case, a black metal keyboard, and an array of thirty-nine plastic keys. The four rows of square keys at the bottom include ten digit keys, a change sign key, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear entry key, a clear key, and a red memory key. Above this is an array of rectangular function keys that includes a key for switching between radians and degrees, as well as trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, logarithmic, exponential, squaring, square root, inverse, power, and register exchange keys. It also is possible to enter parentheses and brackets in expressions. Another key prevents the display from turning off automatically if the calculator is not used for over fifteen seconds.
- Behind the keyboard is a ten-digit red LED display that has additional places for indicating the exponent (up to two digits), the sign of the entry, and the sign of the exponent. A jack for recharging the battery pack and the on/off switch are on the back edge. This example has no battery pack and no power cord. A sticker on the front reads: Kings Point SC-40. A large sticker on the back gives instructions for operating and tending the calculator. Text reads in part: SC-40 (/) MANUFACTURED IN JAPAN. Further text reads: Serial (/) Number 260903.
- The calculator fits in a black pouch. Also in the collection are an Owner’s Manual, a pamphlet with title Application Guide and Operating Examples, three purchase registration cards, and three warranties.
- Similar calculators sold as the Realtone SC-40 and the MBO SC-40. The Kings Point SC-40 initially sold for about $150; a 1977 sale offered the calculator for $28.00.
- Compare Kings Point scientific calculators 1986.0988.011, 1986.0988.298, 1986.0988.299, and 1986.0988.214.
- References:
- Berger, Ivan, “Calculators getting smaller, smarter and cheaper: here’s how to pick the right one,” Popular Mechanics, 142 #6, October 1974, pp. 70–75, 168, esp. p. 74. Here the price of the SC-40 is given as $150.00.
- Free, John R., “Now - there’s a personal calculator for every purse and purpose,” Popular Science, 206, #2, February 1975, pp. 78–81, 137.
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, July 21, 1974, p. A15. Summer calculator clearance has Kings Point SC-40 offered for $169.95.
- [Advertisement], IEEE Spectrum, March 1975, p. 24. SC-40 advertised as selling for $99.95.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, July 24, 1975, p. N B5. The Kings Point SC-40, regularly priced at $119.95, is on sale for $75.88.
- [Advertisement], Science News, 11, #23, June 4, 1977, p. 367. Advertisement lists SC-60 as having a regular price of $59.95 and a sale price of $49.88. This model has “scientific and statistical functions.” The SC-40 is “fully scientific” and has a regular price of $39.95 and a sale price of $28.00. The SC-44F is also “fully scientific” and regularly costs $49.95, with a sale price of $28.00.
- On Realtone calculators, see the bobscalculatorsandsliderules website, accessed August 13, 2014.
- On MBO calculators, see catawiki.com/catalog, accessed August 13, 2014.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1974-1977
- maker
- Kings Point Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.298
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.298
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- 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
-
Montgomery Ward P90 Handheld Electronic Calculator (Model Number DAN-8670A)
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a light tan plastic case and a gray plastic keyboard. It has an array of eighteen rectangular keys with rounded corners. These include ten digit keys and a decimal point key, keys for the four arithmetic functions, an equals/constant key, a percentage key, and a clear entry/clear key. The eight-digit LED display is behind the keyboard. The battery compartment opens from the back at the top. The device has two plastic feet. The socket for the adapter is on the right.
- A mark on the front reads: MONTGOMERY (/) WARD ELECTRONIC P90. The paper tag on the back reads: WARDS P-90. It also reads: MODEL NO. DAN-8670A (/) SERIAL NO. 57X-003112 (/) Distributed By (/) Montgomery Ward & Co., Inc. (/) Chicago, Illinois 60671 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
- Compare 1986.0988.169, an APF Mark 40. The Ward P90 was made for Montgomery Ward by APF Electronics.
- References:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 102.
- Online Datamath Calculator Museum, accessed August 29, 2014.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1975
- maker
- APF Electronics
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.329
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.329
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Casio OH-7000G Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- By 1990 the American educational market for graphing calculators was highly competitive. Early that year Texas Instruments introduced its first graphing calculator for classroom use, the TI-81. A special overhead projection unit of the calculator was available, and advertisements showed a teacher displaying calculator results on a screen, with fascinated students comparing her work with the displays of their own calculators. By November, Casio sold a modified form of its FX-7000G calculator for use with an overhead projector, the OH-7000G. This is an example of that device.
- The overside handheld electronic calculator has a gray plastic case, a silver-colored metal keyboard with plastic keys, and a translucent glass display screen above the keyboard. The keys are like those of the fx-7000G. A mark above the keyboard reads: CASIO SCIENTIFIC CALCULATOR OH-7000G GRAPHICS.
- The back of the calculator has room for four batteries in a compartment at the base. The screen is at the top and there are four rectangular feet. A mark above the battery compartment reads: CASIO 0H-7000G (/) RATING: DC 6V = 0.04W (/) use BATTERY 1.5v x 4 (/) MADE IN JAPAN (/) CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
- The calculator fits in a gray plastic case with a snap.
- The metal and glass projection unit, made by Buhl, fits in a blue cloth bag.
- References:
- “Introducing the TI-81 Graphics Calculator. An educated solution tailored to educational needs [advertisement],” Mathematics Teacher, vol. 83 #4, April, 1990, front matter.
- “The Power to Project Your Ideas [advertisement],” Mathematics Teacher, vol. 83 #8, November, 1990, front matter.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1990
- maker
- Casio Computer Company
- ID Number
- 2000.0146.03
- accession number
- 2000.0146
- catalog number
- 2000.0146.03
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
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
-
Microcomputer Peripheral, Silicon Graphics 1600SW Flat Panel Monitor
- Description
- This Silicon Graphics1600SW (super-wide), 17.3 inch diagonal ultra-high resolution flat panel monitor was added to the O2 workstation early in 2000. The adapter card was installed by the donor. The monitor was made by Mitsubishi Electric Corporation in the O2 workstation colors, blue and black.
- The monitor came with a digital camera for video conferencing and a color sensor to calibrate the monitor's color display.
- See 2016.3032.05 for monitor documentation and systems software. See 2016.3032.06 for adapter card installation tools.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1998 - 2000
- maker
- Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
- ID Number
- 2016.0057.02
- accession number
- 2016.0057
- catalog number
- 2016.0057.02
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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