Sharp Model OZ-7200 Electronic Organizer

As early as 1977 Sharp Corporation had combined the functions of a handheld electronic calculator, a clock telling time worldwide, and a stop watch. In the late 1980s, it began to sell more elaborate “electronic organizers.” This example had a built-in calendar, schedule, listing for telephone numbers, memo pad, world clock, local clock, and calculator. It also was possible to purchase additional “IC cards” which expanded the memory, offered language translation, and provided a dictionary and thesaurus. The device also could be linked to a printer or a microcomputer.

The organizer has a black plastic case that opens to reveal a keyboard on the right and a display with a space for additional cards on the left. A mark at the center of the left side reads: SHARP OZ-7200 (/) ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR WIZARD. A mark above the display reads: 64KB. A mark on the bottom reads: OZ-7200 SHARP CORPORATION (/) MADE IN JAPAN (/) Lic. U.S. Pat. 4117542. This patent, filed by Judah Klausner and Robert Hotto, both of New York, New York, was granted in 1978. The serial number of this calculator is: 9703190X.

Inside the cardboard box holding the calculator is also an operation manual. It has a copyright date of 1989.

This example was purchased by the Information Age exhibition at the National Museum of American History in April 1990. It was not used. This product was a successor to the Sharp PA-7000 organizer, first sold in 1987.

References:

[Advertisement], New York Times, May 2, 1990, p. A2. Sharp OZ-7200 selling for $279.98.

[Advertisement}, Chicago Tribune, July 10, 1991, p. D19. Sharp OZ-7200 on sale for $159.00.

Kathryn B. Hiesinger and Felice Fischer, Japanese Design: A Survey Since 1950, Philadelphia; Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1994, p. 176.

Currently not on view