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
429
Page 3 of 22
-
Hewlett-Packard HP-28C Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This advanced scientific calculator, to use the maker's phrase, was the first graphing handheld electronic calculator made by Hewlett-Packard. It also was the first HP calculator using algebraic expressions and the first to allow integration and differentiation. It was introduced in 1987 and sold into early 1988.
- The object has a black plastic case hinged along the left edge. Opening it reveals a double keyboard. Thirty-five sloping rectangular keys are on the left side and another thirty-seven on the right. Keys on the left side have letters and symbols; keys on the right include digits, symbols for arithmetic operations, and symbols associated with trigonometry, statistics, plotting, integration, and differentiation.
- Above the keyboard on the left is a list of object types (e.g. complex number), symbols used to designate that type (e.g. parenthesis for complex numbers) and examples (e.g. (123.45, 678.90) for the complex number 123.45 + 678.90i). The display on the right side shows four rows of text, indicating what number or command is stored in each of four stacks. The display also can be using to show the graph of functions. A mark above it reads: hp HEWLETT (/) PACKARD 28C.
- The battery cover is on the right side. A mark on the back reads: COMPLIES WITH THE LIMITS FOR A CLASS B (/) COMPUTING DEVICE PURSUANT TO SUBPART (/) J OF PART 15OF ICC RULES (/) ATI confrome classe B 2729A04383 (/) MADE IN USA. The serial number indicates the device was made in the 29th week of 1987.
- Programming for the calculator – both internally and by users – was in a programming language known as RPL (Reverse Polish Lisp or ROM-based Procedural Language), a variation on the programming language LISP.
- For related documentation, see 1999.0291.02. For an example of the closely related calculator that succeeded it, the HP-28S, see 2012.0063.01. The HP28-C sold for $235.
- This HP28C was used by Professor Norton Starr, who taught mathematics at Amherst College in Massachusetts.
- References:
- W.A.C. Mier-Jedrzejowicz, A Guide to HP Handheld Calculators and Computers , Tustin, California: Wilson/Burnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 84–87, 133.
- David G. Hicks, The Museum of HP Calculators, http://www.hpmuseum.org/, accessed July, 2014.
- Yves Nievergelt, “The Chip with the College Education: the HP-28C,” The American Mathematical Monthly, vol. 94, # 9, November 1987, pp. 895–902.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1987
- maker
- Hewlett-Packard Company
- ID Number
- 1999.0291.01
- accession number
- 1999.0291
- catalog number
- 1999.0291.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Intel 8080A Microprocessor
- Description
- Intel introduced its 8080A 8-bit central processing unit (CPU) microprocessor in April 1974. Generally considered as the first truly usable microprocessor, the chip ran at 2 megahertz and powered the Altair 8800 and the IMSAI 8080, two of the first Personal Computers. Housed in a 40-pin DIP package that contained 6,000 transistors, the integrated circuit could receive 8-bit instructions and perform 16-bit operations. This particular example is marked "8321"indicating it was made in the 21st week of 1983. The "D8080A" means the unit has a housing of black ceramic.
- date made
- 1983-05
- maker
- Intel Corporation
- ID Number
- 1984.0124.04
- accession number
- 1984.0124
- catalog number
- 1984.0124.04
- maker number
- 8080
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Nanoseconds Associated with Grace Hopper
- Description
- This bundle consists of about one hundred pieces of plastic-coated wire, each about 30 cm (11.8 in) long. Each piece of wire represents the distance an electrical signal travels in a nanosecond, one billionth of a second. Grace Murray Hopper (1906–1992), a mathematician who became a naval officer and computer scientist during World War II, started distributing these wire "nanoseconds" in the late 1960s in order to demonstrate how designing smaller components would produce faster computers.
- The "nanoseconds" in this bundle were among those Hopper brought with her to hand out to Smithsonian docents at a March 1985 lecture at NMAH. Later, as components shrank and computer speeds increased, Hopper used grains of pepper to represent the distance electricity traveled in a picosecond, one trillionth of a second (one thousandth of a nanosecond).
- Reference: Kathleen Broome Williams, Grace Hopper: Admiral of the Cyber Sea, Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 2004.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1985
- distributor
- Hopper, Grace Murray
- ID Number
- 1985.3088.01
- catalog number
- 1985.3088.01
- nonaccession number
- 1985.3088
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Commodore LCD Laptop Microcomputer
- Description
- By the mid-1980s, microcomputer manufacturers envisioned small, portable versions of their machines. This prototype for a “lap computer” was developed by Commodore, a leading manufacturer of early microcomputers. The compact instrument was to have a built-in version of the programming language BASIC, 32K of random access memory, and an 80-column by 16-line liquid crystal display (this example has no display). A mark on it reads: PROTOTYPE (/) 6/85 (/) Rev. 7 (/) #5/6 KUNZ. A black cloth carrying case comes with the machine, as does an adaptor (the adaptor is 1992.0439.01.2)
- This prototype was owned by Dr. Daniel W. Kunz, Executive Director for Government Marketing at Commodore. The Commodore LCD was never released, although laptop computers became common.
- References:
- Scott Mace, “Commodore Shows New 128,” Infoworld, January 28, 1985, p. 19.
- Accession file.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1985
- maker
- Commodore Business Machines, Inc.
- ID Number
- 1992.0439.01.1
- catalog number
- 1992.0439.01.1
- accession number
- 1992.0439
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Hewlett-Packard HP-41X Handheld Electronic Calculator, Engineering Model
- Description
- This is an engineering prototype for an improved form of the HP-41CX, one of the first forms of an Hewlett-Packard handheld electronic calculator that could show letters as well as numbers in the display. The HP-41 series included the HP-41C (introduced 1979 – code name coconut), the HP-41CV (introduced in late 1980), and the HP-41CX (introduced in 1983). In the course of the 1980s, Hewlett-Packard engineers devised a way of building the calculators with fewer chips that cut the cost in half and improved reliability. These were codenamed “halfnut” calculators. This is a model for the “halfnut” version of the HP-41CX, made in about 1985.
- The prototype has a translucent plastic case, and four rubber feet. A plastic template covers the keyboard. This keypad is marked with the functions of the calculator in orange, white, and blue. A latch just below the display releases the template. Under the template are thirty-five plastic keys, marked in white and blue. The calculator lacks the usual keyboard under the keys, having a transparent one instead.
- Four buttons behind the keys are for turning on the machine, setting user determined key functions, setting programming mode, and setting alphabetic mode. Behind this is the LCD display.
- The top edge has four slots for additional memory or devices. One of these is empty, one of them has a chip encased in plastic, and two of them have plastic frames but no circuitry. The chip enclosed in plastic is a prototype for an infrared “blinkie” transmitter linking the calculator to a printer. Such a transmitter originally was envisioned for calculators in the HP-28 series, but a Hewlett-Packard engineer suggested that HP-41 calculators also could link to the printer.
- A mark along the front edge of the calculator reads: hp HEWLETT • PACKARD 41CX. Text at the top of the back reads: SERIAL NO. However, there is no serial number.
- The donor of this model, David Rabinowitz, was an employee of Hewlett-Packard from 1975 until 1989 and worked on the design of the halfnut form of the HP41CX calculator as well as on HP’s infrared printers.
- The 41C and 41CV sold until 1990, the 41CX until 1991. (another source (http://www.hpmuseum.org/hp41.htm) gives dates of discontinuation of 1985 for the HP-41C, 1990 for the HP-41CV and 1990 for the HP-41CX).
- References:
- W.A.C. Mier-Jedrzejowicz, A Guide to HP Handheld Calculators and Computers , Tustin, California: Wilson/Burnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 65–66, 133.
- David G. Hicks, The Museum of HP Calculators, http://www.hpmuseum.org/, accessed July, 2014.
- Accession file.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- ca 1982
- maker
- Hewlett-Packard Company
- ID Number
- 2004.0165.01
- accession number
- 2004.0165
- catalog number
- 2004.0165.01
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
HP 82240A Redeye B Printer, Engineering Model
- Description
- This portable thermal printer is a prototype for the HP 82240A printer developed as an accessory for Hewlett-Packard handheld calculators. Connection to a calculator is through infrared radiation, not by any cord.
- Hewlett-Packard announced that the HP-28C calculator would be supplied with a printer before actually developing the product. The donor, David Rabinowitz, was the project manager for the printer project. R&D specified that the signal between calculator and printer would be infrared. Rabinowitz decided that that it would travel only over about three feet (so as not to interfere with other electronic devices – this had been a problem with the infrared keyboard products like the IBM PC Jr.) Because the product had been announced, the printer was to be available within a year. The prototype dates from 1985 or 1986, and production began not long thereafter.
- The object has a translucent plastic case. It has buttons for on/off, print contrast, and paper advance. A mark toward the bottom left of the case reads: hp HEWLETT (/) PACKARD.
- The infrared filter, a black piece on the front edge of the printer, blocks out light of other frequencies. A small square black detector behind it detects the infrared radiation. The Intel-designed 8050 chip in the case has 256 bytes of RAM and 4096 bytes of ROM. Software in the ROM decodes the signals, times the circuits, and controls the heaters in the print head that heat the thermal paper behind it. These temperature changes caused chemical changes, darkening the paper to print letters, numbers or graphs. Depending on the paper used, the printing was either blue or black.
- The infrared demodulator chip required an operating voltage of 5 volts. The four batteries in the printer produced 6.4 volts when new, decreasing with time to as low as about four volts. A CMOS chip in the printer circuit boosted the voltage to five volts, but printing could be slow when the batteries were low. Using an AC adapter plugged into the wall guaranteed a higher voltage so the motor ran faster and printing was more rapid.
- References:
- Yves Nievergelt, “The Chip with the College Education: the HP-28C,” The American Mathematical Monthly, vol. 94, # 9, November 1987, pp. 895-902.
- Accession File.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1985-1986
- maker
- Hewlett-Packard Company
- ID Number
- 2004.0165.2
- catalog number
- 2004.0165.2
- accession number
- 2004.0165
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
IBM UK 866 Rutherford Laboratory Central Computer System
- Description
- These two blue eighty-column punch cards have four square corners (none truncated). They are job statement cards for the Rutherford Central Computer System 195. The cards have space for information about a job name, job number, user's identity code, programmer's name, and job parameters.
- Established in 1958, the Rutherford HIgh Energy Laboratory of Britain's National Institute for Research in Nuclear Science was a center for computing in Britain. It installed one IBM 360/195 mainframe computer in 1971, and a second in 1976. These computers ran until 1982.
- A mark on the cards at the top right reads: SCIENCE RESEARCH COUNCIL. A mark on the bottom edge reads: IBM UNITED KINGDOM LIMITED. Another mark there reads: 866-23042.
- Reference:
- See www.chilton-computing.org.uk/ca/technology/s360_195/p007.htm.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1971-1982
- maker
- IBM
- ID Number
- 1996.0142.31
- catalog number
- 1996.0142.31
- accession number
- 1996.0142
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Button, Advertising
- Description
- This circular button has a white background with black text that reads: "TERMINATE YOUR SNEAKER NET WITH INTO". In the center of a red circle with a diagonal red line is the black outline image of sneaker. A mark in black ink on the reverse reads: "FOSE '89."
- Sneakernet is computer jargon for the method of moving electronic data by personally carrying it from one place to another on removable media such as floppy disk, compact disk, flash drive, etc. The term was coined in the early days of computing before networks were common.
- References:
- [Last accessed 2019-07-18]
- "Networking For Dummies," Lowe, Doug, 2016.
- https://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/51585/sneakernet
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1989
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.622
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.622
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Button, WordStar 5.5
- Description
- This circular button has a purple background and white text that reads: Keep your hands where they belong. WORDSTAR 5.5. The reverse reads "Comdex 9/89" in black permanent ink.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1989
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.635
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.635
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Button, WordStar 5.5
- Description
- This square button has a white background with an image of yellow hand pressing purple computer keys. The square red "5.5" logo has black and white squares beneath. Black text on background reads: WORDSTAR. The reverse reads: PC Expo NY 6/89.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1989
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.636
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.636
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Button, Formula SCSI POWERED BY FUTURE DOMAIN
- Description
- The background of this round button has an image of a racing driver in a red Formula 1 car. White text reads: Formula SCSI POWERED BY FUTURE DOMAIN. A mark on the back reads "Networld Boston '89" in black permanent ink.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1989
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.641
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.641
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Button, I've seen the Time Machine MITSUBISHI ELECTRONICS
- Description
- This round button has a white background with black text reading: I've seen the Time Machine MITSUBISHI ELECTRONICS. Also shown is a red Mitsubishi logo. The reverse reads: "CDX Spring '89" in black permanent ink.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1989
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.646
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.646
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Button, MITSUBISHI MONITORS
- Description
- This rectangular button has a white background with an image of the United States made up of computer monitors, with one screen colored in blue. Blue text at the top reads: I'm one in a million! Black text along the bottom, next to a red Mitsubishi logo, reads: MITSUBISHI MONITORS. The reverse reads: "Fall CDX '88" in black permanent ink.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1988
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.647
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.647
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Button, Let's Have a Blast
- Description
- This circular button has a red background with white text reading: LET'S HAVE A BLAST. The reverse reads: "Comdex 11/89" in black permanent ink. Note that the pin on the button does not have a catch, but rather extends beyond the diameter of the button, creating a sharp edge.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1989
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.649
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.649
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Button, I got my ACT! together
- Description
- This circular button has a white background with blue text reading: I got my ACT! together. The reverse reads "Fall CDX '88" in black permanent ink.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1988
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.650
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.650
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Symbolics Button
- Description
- This circular button has in the background an image of a bird in red, orange, yellow and blue. It wears orange and black headphones. White text across the top reads: SYMBOLICS. The reverse reads: "Siggraph '87 Anaheim" in black permanent ink. Note: the pin on the button has no catch but rather extends beyond the edge of the diameter of the button creating a sharp edge
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1987
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.661
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.661
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Tandon Lapel Pin
- Description
- This lapel pin is in the shape of the continental United States and has a butterfly clutch clasp.The yellow background is outlined in black. Red text reads "Tandon" is above black text that reads "Working Together..." The reverse is of silver-colored metal and reads "CDX 11/89" in black permanent ink. The clasp is dark gold-colored metal.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1989
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.709
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.709
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Tandon Lapel Pin
- Description
- This lapel pin is in the shape of the continental United States and has a butterfly clutch clasp.The yellow background is outlined in black. Red text reading "Tandon" is above black text that reads "Working Together..." The clasp is dark gold-colored metal.
- Compare 2009.3071.709.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1989
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.710
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.710
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Open Token Foundation Lapel Pin
- Description
- This circular lapel pin has a butterfly clutch clasp.The yellow background has black text reading: OPEN TOKEN FOUNDATION. In the center is a large blue-green letter "T" with a blue-green circle around it. The reverse is of silver-colored metal and reads "Networld 9/89" in black permanent ink. The clasp is of gold-colored metal.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- c 1989
- ID Number
- 2009.3071.718
- catalog number
- 2009.3071.718
- nonaccession number
- 2009.3071
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
-
Hewlett-Packard HP-33C Handheld Electronic Calculator
- Description
- This programmable handheld electronic calculator has a black plastic case and thirty rectangular plastic keys. The model was introduced in July of 1979 and sold through 1983. Most keys take on different meanings if the gold "f" shift key or the blue "g" shift key is pressed. The calculator has limited programming capabilities. It also has “continuous memory,” which allows limited storage of programs when the calculator is turned off. Behind the keyboard are an on/off switch, a program/run switch, and an LED display. A mark on the front edge reads: hp HEWLETT • PACKARD 33C.
- The socket for the battery adapter is along the top edge. The battery compartment is at the top of the back. The back also has four rubber feet. Text on the back reads: SERIAL NO. (/) 2020S37048. Another mark reads: MADE IN (/) SINGAPORE. The first four digits of the serial number indicate that the calculator was made in the twentieth week of 1980.
- The calculator has a black zippered case.
- This device is part of a series that included the HP-31E, the HP-32E, the HP-33E, the HP-33C, the HP-34C, the HP-37E, the HP-38E and the HP-38C. Compare 1987.0435.09 (an HP-25) and 1987.0435.11 (an HP-33E).
- A December 1980, advertisement lists the price of the calculator as $79.95. Mier-Jedrzejowicz gives a price fluctuating between $120 and $65.
- References:
- W.A.C. Mier-Jedrzejowicz, A Guide to HP Handheld Calculators and Computers , Tustin, California: Wilson/Burnett Publishing, 1997, pp. 56–58, 132.
- David G. Hicks, The Museum of HP Calculators, http://www.hpmuseum.org/, accessed July, 2014.
- [Advertisement], Washington Post, December 11, 1980, p. A43.
- Location
- Currently not on view
- date made
- 1980
- maker
- Hewlett-Packard Company
- ID Number
- 1987.0435.10
- catalog number
- 1987.0435.10
- accession number
- 1987.0435
- Data Source
- National Museum of American History
Pages
Filter Your Results
Click to remove a filter:
- data source
-
topic
- Computers & Business Machines 429
- Advertising 154
- Handheld Electronic Calculators 79
- Mathematics 18
- Family 16
- Social life and customs 16
- Science 14
- Amusements 4
- Desktop Electronic Calculators 4
- Gaming 3
- Animals 2
- Women Teaching Math 2
- Artifact Walls exhibit 1
- Beer & Spirits 1
- Education 1
- Exidy Sorcerer 1
- Government 1
- Lighting 1
- Macintosh 1
- Novelty 1
-
object type
- button, advertising 145
- electronic calculator 75
- Software 59
- documentation 35
- Microcomputers 32
- electronic calculator; Handheld 22
- software with documentation 18
- documentation, Commodore VIC 20 11
- Pins (fasteners) 9
- Game, Computer 8
- Pin, Button 3
- portable computer 3
- software, game 3
- Documents 2
- Photographs 2
- electronic calculator with manual 2
- software and documentation 2
- Documentation 1
- Magazines (periodicals) 1
- Paperweights 1
- date
- place
-
set name
- Medicine and Science: Computers 423
- Advertising 154
- Handheld Electronic Calculators 79
- Family & Social Life 16
- National Museum of American History 15
- Science & Mathematics 14
- Work 11
- American Enterprise 9
- My Computing Device 5
- Desktop Electronic Calculators 4
- Medicine and Science: Mathematics 4
- Popular Entertainment 4
- Women Teaching Math 2
- Artifact Walls exhibit 1
- Government, Politics, and Reform 1
- Places of Invention 1
- Political and Military History: Political History, Campaign Collection 1
- Punch Cards 1
- Scale Rules 1
