Helzerman's Odd Bits : Weblog

Saturday Nov 11, 2006

Coolest computer ever

Here are some pictures of the coolest machine I've seen, perhaps ever; the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system. Besides spawning new concepts/functionality such as, "magnetic-core
storage, modular design, interactive graphic displays, on-line common
databases, and continuous and reliable operation," the 1950/60's era computer had features that no system should be without including, an ashtray, rotary dial phone and a panic button.

Me and Sage at the Computer History Museum in Mountain View, CA.

The "gun" - held against the screen it would display information on incoming aircraft.

The ashtray - hey, if you had to sit in front of a screen looking for the Reds all day, you'd smoke too.

The phone - handy for when the alarm button lights up.

Only a small part of the machine. Note the additional phones built into the side and tables.

Posted at 03:38PM Nov 11, 2006 by Catherine Helzerman in Personal | Comments[0] Tag it:

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