A byte of computer history

A clipping of the original article in the Taupō Times, June 4, 1970.

Lew Solomon is hoping to track down a piece of computer history, featured in the Taupō Times on June 4, 1970.

By Dan Hutchinson

The computer is an Olivetti P101 or P102 and was the first computer brought into the town.

“Although most would now categorise it as a programmable calculator, it was a very important landmark in the history of computing,” Lew says. 

“Released in 1965, whichever of those two categories one puts it, it was the first desktop model, and a triumph of both electronic and aesthetic design.

“We are very interested in the history of this particular machine; perhaps one of your readers may know.  And if it still exists, then we would love to see it placed in an appropriate museum.”

Taupō Times reported at the time that the computer was brought into Taupō by pioneering computer company Univac Ltd.

It was considered “a highlight of the week” although it only made page 6 of the newspaper at the time.  

If you know anything about this computer, email news@tauponews.co.nz.