Return to Top Page

Another in the Elsi Mate line, this is a ruler shaped scientific calculator made by Sharp. Functions are obviously primitive by today's standards, but it's shape, colors and design represent true soul in calculators. And dig the faux leather sheath.

This isn't your everyday calculator, this is a pocket-sized flight computer! The Pathfinder's large display is fundamental in determing ETAs and fuel consumption after the user enters vector information, speed and wind and other flight-related conditions. We've never heard of ASA, so we presume this company dealt with aeronautical products, rather than calculators. This one appears to have been manufactured in the mid to late '80s.

Stylish little calculator by Sharp, the EL-8029 looks like a rather wide pen, but opens like a clamshell to display it calculator parts. Sold with a pleather case, but should be worn in the chest pocket, of course. We're guessing this was sold around 1980 or so, but if anyone got information indicating otherwise, please let us know!

The Seiko DF-1220 was yet another high-priced gadget marketed for travelling execs and such. The DF-1220 Expense Recorder was part of the Pocket Logic Series and featured 8K of memory, a travel clock and calendar. Shortcut keys for typical travel expenses were handy, but we feel the tiny display limited the usefulness of this device.

Here's Canon's checkbook calculator, the Money Manager. It's a real checkbook, with a holder for this neat calculator. Geared for personal banking, it has three memory banks, and quick access buttons for checks and deposits. Those of us without the Money Manager were required to use the add and subtract buttons.

Don't be deceived by its unassuming looks--this baby packs quite a punch, functionally speaking. In the early '80s, Casio sought to provide a do-it-all device for the travelling businessman or busy student. The TA-1000 provides a nice calculator, a clock and a datebook of sorts (actually an array of six alarms each with a unique "chime") in a slim and lightweight package. Take a look at the display, isn't the day listing on the bottom pretty sweet? But you'll agree the topper is the multiple alarm notifications which can be demonstrated by Jay here.

This archaic device is an early attempt and pocket-sized word processing, coupled with calculating ability. It's the Memowriter by Sharp. At first glance it appears to be an ordinary printing calculator, but this little gizmo has the note-taking capability of today's Palm devices and can even print notes onto paper with its little internal printer. The keyboard is laid out in a familiar style QWERTY style keyboard. This is probably one of the smallest printing word processors ever made.

If we had the ability (or the budget to present one) we have to award Casio in recognition to technological innovation. The PF-8000 is but one of many amazing gadgets churned out by this extraordinary company. This calculator was more of a computer and personal organizer (PDA in contemporary-speak) as it stored names and phone numbers, and could run basic programs! A significant achievement in its own rite, but we haven't mentioned user input--it's performed using a touch-sensitive keypad! That's right, program your next hashing algorithm with the tip of your finger. The PF-8000 was one of many models in Casio's Super Memory Computer line.