On 4 Jul 2009 at 22:07, Jerome H. Fine wrote:
So just pick whichever year that you feel is the
dividing year between
vacuum tube computers and transistor computers. Then see if the
parameters which make a given model of computer significant are the
same or if the parameters change. My guess is that at the very least,
the number produced of any given model of vacuum computer will be
significantly less, on average, than any given model of transistor
computer. I image that other parameters will also change.
I think I understand what you're saying, but the effect's going to be
masked by the gradual growing acceptance of computers in general and
the decreasing recurring cost per unit of commodity parts, such as
core memories and the improvements in components such as solid-state
diodes and printed circuit boards.
It's a tough call. But your point is taken.
--Chuck