Today we write a post for #Hive, from a smartphone, a laptop or a desktop computer; but 42 years ago, that computer you see in my photo, was one of the first laptops that were manufactured.
From this vintage jewel, which is part of the history of computing, I share with you today these letters.
I bought this computer from a young man who put it on offer on a Cuban website. When I saw the photos and researched its history, I was instantly smitten. I could not pass up the opportunity to have at home, this computer that is a great collector's item.
It has something very practical. On the same unit, you can write and print text. This took me back to the times when a poem, love letters, and every experience was captured on paper, using our fingers. Only with this computer, it was through its little keys.
This computer was manufactured by the Japanese brand SHARP, from 1981 to 1985, and several models were made.
It is protected with this nice brown case, and its two front locks that work by pressure. On its side, it has an opening, where we can connect the different plugs, for example: microphone and headphones.
This is something that current computers maintain, where the main connectors are integrated into the motherboard or a graphics card.
Once the case is opened, we find the equipment occupying the front part. A single unit that goes from end to end. On its right side we can see a monochrome display and its keys underneath.
On its left side is the printer, being well delimited, even by the contrast of another color.
In its upper part it has the space for the external transformer, and 2 rolls of spare paper for the printer.
The transformer feeds the equipment with 9 to 6 volts of direct current, and can be connected to the alternating current socket, both in countries where 110 volts is used, and in others where 220 V is used.
Printer
Printing is in color with 18 characters per line and 2 types of font size. Available colors are: black, blue, green and red.
To insert the paper, once the cover is opened, you put the roll that is moved by a rubberized cylinder, with the same principle of a mechanical typewriter, and the head moves on its metal axis, on both sides, printing on the paper that is coming out of the upper slot.
Extra hardware
Modules can be added for other operations, such as a cassette recorder and a memory module.
Other functions:
Once we put the modules in, the computer can perform:
- Simple and complex mathematical calculations
- Stopwatch
- Alarm clock and alarm
- World Clock
- Timer
- Word memory
- Graphs and statistical data
- Dotted flower design, among others.
- Biorhythm
- Typing exercises
- Various Games: Regatta, Maze Escape, Double Rotation, Whack-a-mole and Space Evader.
- Calculations and Conversions
What programming language supports it?
This type of computers of that time, used BASIC as programming language. Program created in 1964, and in its beginnings it was used in teaching systems. Nowadays it is still used but with modified languages.
On its side, the computer has a 60-pin port, where we can attach other external equipment.
Well, folks. My response to the post title:
If I had no other current computer to write on, and only this vintage equipment would do, I would happily write a post for #Hive; if I had the interface to be able to upload it online to the Blockchain.
The equipment is always something that helps to write a content, but the main thing is the passion that we carry inside. That emotion and inspiration, which makes it possible for us to translate into letters, the ideas that previously sprout in our minds, and that we reflect through our hands or by any other means.
Thanks to those who read me. I wish you a good Tuesday.
Own photos. Camera: Panasonic Lumix model DMC-ZS100
References: Instruction manual
Text divider. Free use from @eve66
Text by Andrés Brunet
Thank you for reading
Welcome your comments
Infinite greetings!
Muy interesante e instructiva su publicación, realmente me gustó muchísimo yme hizo recordar muchas cosas del pasado, gracias.
Gracias @nony. Realmente es un equipo bien interesante y que en su tiempo era muy útil, ya que te permitía hacer muchas funciones desde una misma unidad y portable por su tamaño. Saludos
Wow, this is unbelievable!
Thanks