19 Aug
1998
19 Aug
'98
9:12 p.m.
At 05:41 PM 8/19/98 -0500, Doug wrote:
On Wed, 19 Aug 1998, Alex Knight wrote:
I found a book I would recommend if
anyone finds a copy, although I am still
getting used to it. It is "Computer Structures: Readings and Examples" by
Bell and Newell. It uses strange notation (for me) and even the table of
contents is "virtual".
Anyway, it includes descriptions of 2 desktop calculators, both about 1968:
an Olivetti 101 (USD$3500) and a HP 9100A. The HP uses core memory, its
program ROM uses 16 layer PC board technology. The HP article is a reprint
One of the more interesting machines that I have
written
an article about for my Web site is called a Mathatron, which
was advertised as a desktop calculator/computer and sold as
early as 1964.
Hi, Alex. I really think this is the coolest find yet. I have a desktop
programmable computer from 1959, but mine is analog. I haven't heard of
any desktop programmable solid-state digital machine that predates your
Mathatron.
Another "crossover" machine that I have
a little info
(mainly pictures) of is the HP 9830, called a calculator
but in fact a computer with BASIC.
from the HP Journal. Does anyone have either of these?
There are many other computers described, both common and uncommon. Some are
valved, such as the UK Pegasus, which was only 3 "bays" large.
-Dave