Vintage Computers and Calculators
Introduction
Programmable calculators and pocket computers were my introduction to programming before I started using desktop computers and became a software developer. These devices have few modern equivalents; whereas a modern PDA is a computer and may have a keyboard, it is something switched on and used immediately with no programming skills required. These units came with a programming manuals and only really became useful when the user had learned BASIC.
Sharp PC-1600 (1986)
Introduced as a successor to the popular PC-1500 (below), the PC-1600 had a larger four line display with optical and analogue interfaces to external sensors and devices. Powered by a 3.58 MHz processor equivalent to the Z-80A, the machine offered backward compatibility with earlier software through a second slave CPU emulating the LH-5803 processor of the earlier machine.
This pristine eBay item was sourced from the United States and came supplied with manual and box.
Sharp PC-1500 (1982)
One the seminal handheld computers of the early 1980's, manufactured by Sharp and sold under both the Sharp and Tandy brands. This example bought on eBay is in pristine condition. The application and instruction manual are in a used state.
Sporting an 8bit processor and having 3.5K of memory, it is programmed in BASIC. Programs are loaded and saved via a separate CE-150 cassette interface. Power comes from 4 'AA' batteries or a 6V negative tip external AC adapter.
The instruction manual is noteworthy in that it teaches the user how to program, in addition to explaining the features of the unit.
Sharp PC-G830 (1996?)
Like the Casio VX-4, the PC-G830 is another example of a handheld made for the Japanese education market. BASIC, C and CASL are all supported as programming languages.
It supports Japanese characters in a similar fashion to the Casio VX-4 using the Hepburn system of converting phonetics into Katakana.
Another boxed, unused and pristine example from eBay, it comes with a single and fairly impenetrable Japanese manual !
Casio VX-4
One of a series of Japanese only handheld computers to support an information technology qualification promoted by the Japanese education ministry. A virtual processor was defined called COMET along with an assembly language called CASL. The processor could be emulated on Windows, Mac and Linux machines and is intended to teach students how CPUs work.
In additional to providing BASIC programming support, it also has a C interpreter.
This boxed, pristine and unused example from eBay came with three manuals, all in Japanese.
Casio PB-700 (1983)
The manual for the PB-700 proudly proclaims it to be a high class computer with a large display and memory capacity. The 4K memory capacity can be expanded to 40K using up to three 16K RAM packs. Like its Casio brethren, it shares a curious limitation in BASIC of not allowing the programmer to have a variable A and A$ at the same time.
Another interesting feature is the Enter key and Return key, the first is used for manual calculator functions while the Return key is used for BASIC program input, programming editing or executing BASIC instructions.
This eBay item dates from 1983 and is in pristine condition.
Texas Instruments TI-74 (1985)
This is an example of only three models of handheld BASIC computers created by Texas Instruments. This one dates from 1985 and has the serial number, 0000501
It is distinguished in having two distinctive personalities, switching between BASIC computer and calculator using a mode button.
This unfortunate unit arrived from eBay with extensive moisture damage. The x, c, and v keys malfunctioned and there was corrosion of the ROM/RAM connector and device port. The unit was disassembled and the printed circuit board cleaned with switch cleaner.
Although the left shift key still sticks a little, the unit now operates correctly. Unfortunately, the device and ROM/RAM ports seem beyond use.
The unit is accompanied by the user guide, programming manual and carry case.
Texas Instruments CC-40 (1983)
An early but ultimately doomed entry into the handheld computer market. The CC-40 was to have been released with a tape drive but the storage device was not reliable enough to go into production. The device failed to sell as a result and was superceded by the TI-74 which had a cassette interface.
This unused and fully operation example from eBay came boxed with manual, both sporting stickers and inserts reminding customers that the tape drive shown on the box artwork was not available.
Texas Instruments TI-Nspire (2007)
TI-Nspire is the latest generation of mathematics learning tools from Texas Instruments. At present two models are available, the Nspire which features a snap-in TI-84 emulation keyboard, and the Computer Algebra System (CAS) model shown here.
This massive calculator (or handheld as TI prefers to call it) features a large high resolution screen offering 320x240 pixels, with connectivity to mathematics learning software running on a Windows PC. It measures 200mm long by 100mm wide by 25mm high. The machine has 32MB of NAND flash memory for saved documents, and 32MB of SDRAM for operational use.
The device runs the Nucleus real-time operating system and presents all its features through a graphical user interface. As the large screen is not touch sensitive, navigation is achieved through keyboard shortcuts and the prominent navigation pad and click button at the top of the keyboard.
While earlier models such as the TI-89 and TI-8x series provide character support through alpha shift keys, the Nspire uses a innovative two layer approach, with tiny but prominently raised green keys between the main numeric and function keys. Surprisingly, it does not cause accidental keying of alpha characters, and makes the keyboard markings less dense and complex.
Early releases of the product contained limitations, notably for programming. These are being addressed by OS upgrades which add new functionality. While it seems to be work in progress, the device appears to offer great potential for the future.
Texas Instruments Voyage 200 (2002)
Prior to the release of the new Nspire range, the Voyage 200 was the most powerful calculator available from Texas Instruments. It features a 12MHz Motorola MC68000 processor and has 256K of RAM with 4MB of Flash ROM storage. It has a Computer Algebra System (CAS) and provides algebra, statistics and calculus capabilities. The computer like styling and QWERTY keyboard means it is often banned from examinations.