Object Details
maker
Casio Computer Company
Description
This was Casio’s first model of a handheld electronic calculator and one of the first to sell for under $100. It has a black plastic case with aluminum trim on the front. The array of round plastic keys includes ten digit keys, a cancel key, keys for four arithmetic functions (the addition key is also a total key), and an arrow key that is pressed to show more of larger results. To the left of the keyboard is a six-digit vacuum fluorescent display. Left of it is the on/off switch. A mark below the display reads: CASIO-MINI (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR. No decimal point appears in entries or results. A small device to hold a carrying loop is on the left edge of the calculator, but this example has no carrying loop.
Unscrewing screws on the two ends of the calculator releases the top. A sticker attached in front of the keyboard reads: 6006767. A mark on a chip above the display reads: 2H (/) HD32127P. According to Rick Bensene, this is an early large-scale integrated chip made by Hitachi.
The back of the calculator has a compartment that would hold four batteries. A mark on the back reads: CASIO-MINI (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR (/) BATTERY SUPPLY 1.5 V x 4 (/) 850mW MADE IN JAPAN (/) CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD. There is residue from a sticker on the back of the battery compartment, but no serial number there.
A November1972 advertisement in the New York Times lists the Casio Mini as on sale for $59.95. A March 1973 advertisement in the Los Angeles Times lists the Casio Mini as on special for $69.99, noting that it costs $30.00 less than competitive models. An April 1973 advertisement in the Los Angeles Times gives a sale price of $59.99 on a regular price of $69.99.
By June 1973 an illustration of the Casio Mini in the Los Angeles Times shows a different version of the device that has a power adapter on the left side, square keys, and a decimal point slide switch (the CM-602). It was on sale for $59.95.
Compare 1986.0988.185.
References:
Rick Bensene, Old Calculator Museum website, http://www.oldcalculatormuseum.com/casiomini.html.
New York Times, November 30, 1972, p. 27.
Los Angeles Times, March 23, 1973, p. 16.
Los Angeles Times, April 20, 1973, p. 8.
Los Angeles Times, June 30, 1973, p. D2.
Website of Casio International.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of John B. Priser
date made
1972-1973
ID Number
1986.0988.184
accession number
1986.0988
catalog number
1986.0988.184
Object Name
electronic calculator
Other Terms
electronic calculator; Handheld
Physical Description
plastic (case; keys; circuit board material)
metal (trim; circuitry material)
glass (tubes material)
paper (sticker material)
Measurements
overall: 1 3/8 in x 5 3/4 in x 3 in; 3.4925 cm x 14.605 cm x 7.62 cm
place made
Japan
See more items in
Medicine and Science: Computers
Computers & Business Machines
Handheld Electronic Calculators
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_334598