15 Feb
2008
15 Feb
'08
7:09 a.m.
Charles H Dickman wrote:
As the original can opener, the resulting discussion
has been quite
interesting. Probably more interesting than my original question, which
was what is the oldest electronic digital computer still in existence as
a functional artifact, whether in a museum or private collection. I was
discounting reproductions such as the Atanasoff-Berry Computer you
mention or the Colossus at Bletchley Park. I would also discount partial
machines such as front panels.
I see the Colossus more a working spare of the original as the machine's
feel seems to have been kept in the duplication. I am not sure but I think
some of the orginal people who built the orginal Colossus or the other
computer thingy did help in the rebuild. The people in the UK can make
more coments about that.
All the other reconstructions I know of the orginal people are long dead
or not in the computing field.
PS: The kenbak 1 replica also comes close with orginal designers
helping with a copy.
http://www.kenbakkit.com/