Here at Geekforce we are great fans of the History of Computers. We all find it fascinating to see the progression from simple, to useful, to overly complex. So it was with great geeky glee that we stumbled across this report from the Army’s Ballistic Research Laboratories. It’s illustrated too! Here’s a quote from the abstract….
This report includes the results of a fourth survey of the engineering and programming characteristics of one hundred twelve different electronic digital computing systems that have been developed since 1961. The report describes the application, numerical and arithmetic characteristics, input, output and storage systems, construction and checking features, power, space, weight, and site preparation and personnel requirements, production records, cost and rental rates, sale and lease policy, reliability, operating experience, and time availability, engineering modifications and improvements and other related topics concerning the computing systems.
Ever wondered what a BURROUGHS B260/B270/B280 looked like? How much it cost? What it weighed? It’s all here.
I own a Burroughs B270 - all approx 2,500 lbs. It intermittantly functions - problem with core memory (all 400 words). Anyone out there familiar with the this machine (schematics?). Suggestions?
Thanks, GM Remes