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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Apple Newton MessagePad Model H1000
- Description
- Apple released the Newton MessagePad Model H1000 in 1993 as one of the first personal digital assistant (PDA) devices. The device sported a 20 megahertz ARM 610 processor with 630 kilobytes of RAM and was powered by four AAA batteries. The MessagePad was designed to store contacts, notes, and calendars, and to provide word processing and rudimentary Internet browsing. The MessagePad’s most revolutionary feature was that it accepted handwriting input via a pen stylus. The novelty of handwriting recognition soon became notorious due its buggy translations, lampooned in popular culture, most notably in a week of Doonesbury comic strips.
- References:
- Apple, Inc., Newton Apple MessagePad Handbook, 1995.
- Kevin Strehlo, “Apple’s MessagePad is an Expensive Gadget at Best,” Info World, August 30, 1993, 1 & 104.
- date made
- 1993
- maker
- Apple Computer, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1999.0290.01
- accession number
- 1999.0290
- catalog number
- 1999.0290.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Casio Memory A-1 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a dark brown and cream-colored plastic case and a metal keyboard. In addition to ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, and a total key, it has all clear, clear, square root, percentage, sign change, and three memory keys. Behind the keyboard is an eight-digit vacuum fluorescent display. A mark behind this reads: CASIO MEMORY A-1 ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. The on/off switch is on the left side and a socket for an adapter is on the top edge at the left.
- At the top of the back of the calculator is a compartment for a single battery. A sticker inside the compartment reads: 1600683. On this example of the calculator, the compartment lacks a cover. A mark on the back of the case reads: CASIO MEMORY A-1 (/) BATTERY SUPPLY 1.5Vx1 (/) or use AC ADAPTOR AD-1S (/) 0.12W (/) H-814 MADE IN JAPAN (/) BM CASIO COMPUTER CO. LTD.
- Unscrewing a screw at the base allows one to fold open the case. This reveals a variety of electronic components, including a chip made by Hitachi and marked: HD3783 (/) 6G 41.
- Compare 1986.0988.331. Both calculators have the same number on the chip.
- The web site of Casio Corporation suggests that this calculator was introduced in 1974. However, the first advertisement found is from a March 1977, issue of the Chicago Tribune. This lists the Casio Memory A-1 as on sale for $12.95. A March 1978, advertisement in the same newspaper gives the same price.
- References:
- Casio Corporation website, with its museum.
- Chicago Tribune, March 2, 1977, p. B8.
- Chicago Tribune, March 19, 1978, p. J4.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1976-1977
- maker
- Casio Computer Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.026
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.026
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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Canon Palmtronic 8 Mini Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case. In addition to ten digit keys, it has a decimal point key and a percentage key, an on/off switch, and yellow clear and clear indicator keys above the digit keys, and blue arithmetic function keys and a total key on the right. Behind these is an eight-digit green fluorescent display. A mark above the display reads: Canon Palmtronic 8 mini.
- At the bottom of the back is a compartment for two AA batteries. A sticker on the inside of the lid of the compartment reads: 376297. There is no outlet for an adapter. Text on the back reads: Canon (/) Palmtronic 8 Mini (/) BM D.C. 5 V 0.3W (/) CANON, INC. (/) JAPAN (/) USE PENLIGHT BATTERY 1.5Vx2.
- According to Ball and Flamm, this calculator was advertised in 1976 as selling for $8.95.
- Reference:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 45.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1976
- maker
- Canon, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.029
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.029
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- 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
-
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
-
Victor Tallymate Desktop Electronic Calculator, Model 85
- Description
- This four-function desktop electronic calculator has a turquoise plastic case with plastic keys in two shades of the same color. The keyboard has an array of nine digit keys with a zero bar and a decimal point key below these. Above the digit keys are clear entry, clear all, and subtraction keys. On the right is a division key and bars for multiplication and addition. Switches behind the keyboard turn the device on or off and determine the position of the decimal point in result. Behind the switches is an eight-digit display. Behind these is a battery indicator as well as two warning lights, one labeled OFL (for overflow) and the other NEG (for negative numbers).
- A case for six AA batteries is on the bottom of the machine. No batteries are present. A jack for a power adapter or cord is at the back, but the adapter is not present.
- A mark on the front reads: VICTOR (/) tallymate. A tag in the bottom gives instructions for using the calculator. It reads in part: MODEL – 85 (/) SERIAL NO. 059311 (/) MADE IN JAPAN (/) FOR VICTOR COMPTOMETER BUSINESS MACHINES DIVISION (/) CHICAGO ILLINOIS 60618.
- According to the website of Victor Technology, the successor firm to Victor Comptometer, the calculator has a MOS-LSI calculator chip (the TMS0105) from Texas Instruments, and a vacuum fluorescent display module from ISE (DP88F). It was introduced in 1972. A newspaper advertisement from late 1973 gives a price of $79.95. Another ad, from early 1974, lists a sale price of $99.95, down from a regular price of $159.50.
- References:
- Website of Victor Technology, http://www.victortech.com/.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, December 20, 1973, p. D4.
- [Advertisement], New York Times, January 2, 1974, p. 12.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1973
- maker
- Victor Comptometer Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.062
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.062
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sharp EL-5804 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator was advertised in the Washington Post as “Sharp’s Super Slick Sliderule [sic] Built for Scientists.” It combined the shape of a slide rule with the functions of a scientific calculator, and even boasted a plastic leatherette carrying sleeve.
- The calculator has a metal case and thirty-two rectangular plastic keys. The rightmost column of keys has three memory keys and a total key. Left of this is a column of four arithmetic function keys. Left of this are three columns with ten digit keys, a change sign key, and a decimal point key. Function keys left of this include logarithmic, exponential, trigonometric, square root, and degree conversion keys. If an F key is pushed, these keys also can be used to find powers of e, reciprocals, pi, and inverse trigonometric functions. The clear entry/clear key and the F key are left of these function keys. Still further to the left is an on/off key, which can be set for angular measure in either degrees or radians.
- At the far left is an LCD display, which gives results in scientific notation, with a six-digit mantissa and a two-digit exponent. Text below the display reads: ELSI MATE EL-5804 (/) SHARP.
- The back of the calculator has a scale at the top fifteen centimeters long, divided to millimeters. A compartment on the bottom right would hold three squat cylindrical silver oxide batteries. Text next to the battery compartment reads in part: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-5804. It also reads: NO. 74302580 BM (/) SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN. Further text reads: U.S. Pats 3902169 3976994. The most recent U.S. patent number listed, 3976994, was issued in 1976 and assigned to Sharp.
- A mark on the brown carrying case reads: SHARP.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, August 12, 1977, p. D16. Advertised as costing $34.95.
- Frank Macias, “Calculating Friends: Delegate That Everyday Balancing Act to These Little Guys with Big Brains,” Los Angeles Times, November 19, 1978, p. O64.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1976-1978
- maker
- Sharp Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.090
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.090
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sharp EL-8002 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a blue and white plastic case with nineteen square keys with rounded corners. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear entry key and a clear key. Above the keyboard a metal tag reads: SHARP ELSI 8002. Behind this is an eight-digit green fluorescent display. A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge and an on/off switch is along the left side.
- At the top of the back is a compartment for three AA batteries. A tag below this reads: SHARP MODEL EL-8002 (/) RATING: 4.5V DC (/) DRY-BATTERY SUM-3 x 3 (/) OR AC ADAPTOR MODEL EA-12A 0.3W (/) NO. 4101559X (/) SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION (/) 10 KEYSTONE PLACE, PARAMUS, N.J.07852 (/) MADE IN JAPAN BM. A tag below this lists U.S., Canadian, Swedish and Australian patents.
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, October 31, 1974, p. sg11. Sharp 8002 calculator advertised as new for 1974-1975. List price $59.95, sale price $34.95.
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, January 11, 1975, p. A11. Sharp 8002 on sale for $29.95.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1974-1975
- maker
- Sharp Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.094
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.094
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sharp EL-8114 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a blue and white plastic case with twenty-two square keys with rounded corners. In addition to ten digit keys, it has a change sign key, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a percentage key, a square root key, a clear/clear entry key and two memory keys. The on/off switch is above the keyboard to the left. A tag beside it reads: SHARP ELSI MATE (/) EL-8114. Behind it is an eight-digit display. A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge. A plastic loop for carrying the calculator extends from the left side.
- The bottom of the back of the calculator has a compartment that holds four rechargeable or three non-rechargeable AA batteries. A sticker inside it reads: 51279388. Text further up on the back reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) EL-8114. It also reads: SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN (/) BM.
- A mark scratched on the right edge of the calculator reads: DAVID SHINNEMAN LAKE FOREST (/) ILLINOIS. This calculator belonged to David Shinneman, who used it as a student at Lake Forest High School in Lake Forest, Illinois. Shinneman went on to attend Northern Arizona University from 1980 to 1984, did graduate work in Florida, and pursued a career in city planning.
- Compare the Sharp EL-8005S (1986.0988.095).
- References:
- [Advertisement], Boston Globe, November 23, 1975, p. 48. Sharp EL-8114 on sale for $19.95.
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett Printing, 1997, p. 140. This source also gives $19.95 as the 1975 price for calculator.
- The website radaris.com, accessed October 21, 2014.
- Personal communication, David Shinneman, October 22, 2014.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1975
- maker
- Sharp Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.096
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.096
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sharp CT-500 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This compact instrument combines a handheld electronic calculator, an alarm clock telling time in several time zones, and a stop watch. It has a metal case and lid and an array of twenty-four small rectangular plastic keys. Operated as a calculator, it has ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a % key, four arithmetic function keys, a square root key, a clear/clear entry key, three memory keys, a recall key, and an hours/minutes/seconds key. Keys also can be used in “clock” mode to set the location (time zone), time, date, and alarm time, and to turn the alarm on or off. An eight-digit LCD display is behind the keyboard.
- Marks printed on the back of the calculator read in part: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) CT 500. The also read: SER NO 71063319 BM (/) PRODUCED BY (/) SHARP CORPORATION JAPAN.
- The calculator fits in a plastic case lined with red felt. Text at the base of the front of the case reads: ELSI MATE. Text on the back at the base reads: MADE IN JAPAN.
- Reference:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, June 25, 1978, p. Y17. Sharp CT-500 “world clock” on sale for $67.95.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1978
- maker
- Sharp Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.097
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.097
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Unisonic 1040-C 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 U.S. 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.
- The handheld electronic calculator has a metal and plastic case with an array of twenty-five 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, and a clear/clear entry key. The keys are the similar to those on the Unisonic 1040, although they are arranged slightly differently and the clear and clear entry keys have been combined. Above these keys is an on/off switch. A mark left of 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-C. Another mark reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 177368 (/) 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
- 1986.0988.109
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.109
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Toshiba LC-833wa Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator also serves as an alarm clock. It has an aluminum case with plastic trim and an array of twenty-five 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, a clear key, and a clear entry key. Above the keys are an on/off switch and a switch for setting the alarm. Behind this are six buttons that relate to setting the time. Behind this is an eight-digit liquid crystal display. Below the keys a mark reads: LIQUID CRYSTAL CALCULATOR LC-833WA (/) TOSHIBA.
- A sticker on the back of the calculator reads: TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) LC-833WA (/) SILVER OXIDE BATTERY. It also reads: NO. D 57903 BM (/)TOKYO SHIBAURA ELECTRIC CO., LTD. JAPAN.
- The calculator has a brown plastic case with a window that reveals the display. A mark on the case reads: TOSHIBA.
- References:
- According to the www.calcuseum.com website, accessed December 3, 2014, this calculator was in production in 1978. According to the www.datamath.org website, accessed December 3, 2014, this calculator was introduced in 1978.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, November 24, 1979, p. D5. This ad shows the LC-840WA, which appears to be a slightly later model.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1978
- maker
- Tokyo Shibaura Electric Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.125
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.125
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Toshiba BC-8018 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a plastic case and twenty rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, a total key, four arithmetic function keys, a square root key, a percentage key, a pi key, and a clear/clear entry key. Above the keyboard is an on/off switch. Behind it is an eight-digit blue vacuum fluorescent display. Text above the display reads: TOSHIBA BC-8018. Text below the keys reads: ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR.
- A battery compartment for two AA batteries is at the top of the back. A sticker below it reads in part: TOSHIBA ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) BC-8018 (/) DC 3V (dry battery x 2) (/) DC 3V (AC adapter) 0.3W (/) NO. 175304 BM (/) TOKYO SHIBAURA ELECTRIC CO., LTD. JAPAN (/) USE MODEL BH-115, BH-116. A jack for a power adapter is along the back edge.
- References:
- According to the datamath.org website (accessed December 3, 2014), this calculator was introduced in 1977.
- According to the mycalcdb.free.fr website and the www.calcuseum.com website (both accessed December 3, 2014), this calculator was in production in 1978.
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, September 7, 1978, p. B30. Calculator on sale for $9.99.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1978
- maker
- Tokyo Shibaura Electric Company
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.126
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.126
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Commodore GL-997R Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has an array of twenty-three oval plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a clear key, an exchange key, four memory keys, and a percentage key. The on/off switch is to the right of the top keys. Text below the keyboard reads: commodore. Text above the eight-digit green fluorescent display reads: CUSTOM (/) GREEN LINE. An outlet for a power adapter is on the right side of the calculator.
- Text on the back cover reads in part: Solid State Portable (/) Electronic Calculator (/) VOLTAGE (/) 4.5 V AC OPERATION (/) Use Commodore (/) adapter DC-420B (/) MODEL (/) GL-997R SERIAL NO. (/) 73954. It also reads: commodore japan limited (/) Made in Japan 200504-02. The case pops open (the screws at the bottom of the back are missing) and holds two AA batteries. The keyboard lifts up to reveal the circuitry, which includes a Commodore chip marked: GRBP-89 (/) 7518. This date code is the basis for the 1975 date of manufacture.
- Compare 1986.0988.209
- Reference:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector’s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin, CA: Wilson/Barnett, 1997, p. 57.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1975
- maker
- Commodore Japan Limited
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.127
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.127
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Sharp EL-8110 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This thin handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and twenty-two plastic, rounded square keys. These include ten digit keys, a change sign key, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a square root key, a clear/clear entry key, a % key, two memory keys, and a total key. Pushing up a button at the top right of the keyboard unlatches the cover on the eight-digit LCD display. A mark at the base of the calculator reads: SHARP ELSI MATE (/) EL-8110. A jack for a power adapter is along the front edge of the calculator.
- A compartment for two squat cylindrical batteries is at the base of the back of the calculator. A mark at the top reads in part: SHARP (/) RATING: 2.4V – (DC) 0.025W (/) (RECHARGEABLE BATTERY EA-108) (/) OR 3V – (DC) 0.025W (AC ADAPTOR/CHARGER EA-10C) (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR EL-8110 (/) NO. 67276478 BM (/) SHARP CORPORATION MADE IN JAPAN
- References:
- [Advertisement], Los Angeles Times, March 16, 1976, p. D2. Gives price of $39.95. A similar thin model, the Sharp EL-8010, had no memory, %, or square root keys. It sold for $29.95.
- [Advertisement], Chicago Tribune, September 22, 1976, p. D13. Here the EL-8110 is described as the “’Thin Man’ pocket secretary.” The price listed is $39.95.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1976
- maker
- Sharp Corporation
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.139
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.139
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Adler EC 60 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This relatively large handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten digit keys on the front, and four colored keys for division, multiplication, subtraction and addition along the right front. To the left of the zero key is a clear key, to the right a decimal point key. Behind the keys is a six-digit blue-green fluorescent display. Behind this is space for four 1.5 volt batteries. There also is a plug for a power adapter.
- A mark on the front behind the display reads: ADLER 60. Stamped on the bottom of the plastic case are instructions for a typical calculation. A tag attached there reads: T-A Vertriebs-GMBH. 85 Nürnberg (/) Type EC 60 (4x1.5V-Dry Batteries or (/) AC Adapter AD 10.11.12.13.14.15.16 (/) Made in Japan No. 65053135.
- Adler calculators were made in Japan for the German firm of T-A Vertriebs-GmbH. According to online sources, the calculator dates from about 1973 and used an Omron chip.
- Reference:
- John Wolff's Web Museum, http://www.johnwolff.id.au/calculators/electronic/Portable.htm#Adler108T.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1973
- distributor
- T-A Vertriebs-GmbH
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.151
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.151
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Rockwell 24K II Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has a metal case and twenty-five rectangular plastic keys. These include ten digit keys, a decimal point key, four arithmetic function keys, a total key, a % key, a change sign key, an exchange key, a square root key, and four memory keys. The on/off switch is left of the top row of keys. At the bottom of the keyboard a mark reads: the 24K II. A mark below this reads: Rockwell. Above the keyboard is an eight-digit blue fluorescent display. The jack for a power adapter is along the front edge.
- A sticker attached to the back reads: Rockwell (/) International (/) Model 24K II (/) Made in Japan. It also reads: Microelectronics Product Division (/) Anaheim, CA 92803 Ser. No. (/) 148417.096.
- This example lacks a case.
- Compare the Rockwell 24K (1986.0988.238).
- Reference:
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, October 15, 1976, p. A16. Rockwell 24K II sells for $34.95.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1976
- maker
- Rockwell International
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.164
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.164
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
APF Mark 61 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This compact handheld electronic calculator has eleven white plastic keys, ten for digits and one for a decimal point. It also has four gray plastic memory keys and eight tan plastic keys. The tan keys are for arithmetic operations, square root, percentage, clear entry/clear, and equals. The display is behind the keys. A mark above it reads: aPF EXECUTIVE. Battery sealed. A hole for the adapter and recharger is on the back edge.
- A metal tag on the back reads: aPF EXECUTIVE (/) MODEL NO.:MARK 61 (/) D.C. 2.4 VOLTS (/) CAUTION: USE ONLY (/) A.C. ADAPTOR (/) RECHARGER MODEL 751S to OPERATE (/) ON A.C. Another mark there reads: SERIAL NO:A012559 (/) APF ELCETRONICS INC. (/) NEW YORK, N.Y. 10022 (/) MADE IN JAPAN.
- No advertisements have been found for this calculator. Ball and Flamm say that the calculator has a fluorescent display and cost $19.85 in 1977.
- Reference:
- Guy Ball and Bruce Flamm, The Complete Collector"s Guide to Pocket Calculators, Tustin CA: Wilson/Barnett,1997, p. 30.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1977
- maker
- APF Electronics
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.172
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.172
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- 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
-
APF Mark 85 Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This handheld electronic calculator has an array of ten white digit keys and an eleventh white deimal pont key. It has keys for the four arithmetic functions, percentage, clear entry/clear, and equals. Five orange memory keys are in the rightmost column. The on/off switch is above these keys on the left, and the nine-digit fluorescent display is behind this. A mark below the display reads: aPF MARK 85. The hole for the adapter is on the top edge.
- The black plastic case has two rubber feet at the top. A silver-colored paper sticker below this reads: aPF ELECTRONICS, INC. (/) MODEL NO. MARK 85 (/) D.C. 4.5 VOLTS (/) CAUTION: Use only A.C. adaptor (/) model 751S to operate on A.C. (/) SERIAL NO: 053059 (/) S85 MADE IN JAPAN. Below this is the cover for the battery case that holds three AAA bateries. A mark on the inside of the lid of this case reads: JAPAN (/) 0108641.
- This calculator closely resembles the APF Mark 65r, although the function keys are slightly different (no square root key on the 85) and there is no rechargeable battery. Compare 1986.0988.174.
- No advertisements found for this calculator. Assigned date on basis of similarity with APF Mark 65r.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1977
- maker
- APF Electronics
- ID Number
- 1986.0988.176
- accession number
- 1986.0988
- catalog number
- 1986.0988.176
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
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