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Electronic Abacus

yoey writes: "Blast from the past in an article at the Economist: There are those who do not believe in the desirability of introducing anything as esoteric as electronics into business routine at all. Others believe that there is a limited field for electronic methods, provided that they fit into, and do not disrupt, established business systems. But there is a third group ... who consider that a major revolution in office methods may be possible. This revolution would involve scrapping the greater part of the established punch card calculating routine and substituting a single 'electronic office' where the giant computor [sic] would perform internally all the calculations needed for a whole series of book-keeping operations, printing the final answer in and on whatever form was required."

2 of 129 comments (clear)

  1. This article is all fine and dandy but... by circletimessquare · · Score: 5, Funny

    this "computor" will never come close to the slide rule in efficiency, simplicity, and elegance. The slide rule will never be replaced by such a monstrous contraption. Besides, it really impresses the babes when displayed prominently in my breast pocket. ;-P

    --
    intellectual property law is philosophically incoherent. it is your moral duty to ignore it or sabotage it
  2. HAL by jodonn · · Score: 5, Funny

    Good morning, Dave. What are you doing?

    I have to go to the bathroom.

    You've already been twice this morning, Dave. Perhaps you should cut down on the coffee.

    Hal, let me in. I really have to go!

    I'm sorry, Dave, but I can't let you do that. Please go back to your desk.

    etc.