Mathatron & other stuff

From: dave dameron <ddameron_at_earthlink.net>
Date: Wed Aug 19 21:12:22 1998

At 05:41 PM 8/19/98 -0500, Doug wrote:
>On Wed, 19 Aug 1998, Alex Knight wrote:
>
>> 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.
>
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
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
Received on Wed Aug 19 1998 - 21:12:22 BST