Pays to be a Nerd? Slide rules have become collectibles

#11
Apparently early calculators are becoming collectables too.
Yep... Just like early computers. My first three computers were a Sinclair ZX-80, a Sinclair Spectrum and an Atari ST. When I visited the Technical Museum in Stockholm last year I found examples of all three on display...:cool: It made me feel a bit like a like a museum piece myself. :rolleyes:

My earliest calculators are all busted, but I still use a HP11c from 1982 at work (It is so good that I hope that it will last until my retirement) and a HP48GX at home.

My slide rule is probably tucked away in the attic somewhere.

/Claes
 
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B

bazzle - 2012

#13
Apparently early calculators are becoming collectables too. You may want to check out the Internet for pricing.

As far as why does someone collect something as nerdy as a slide rule. Simple - they were only sold to nerds and there are not many around. Limited quantity = large $ for rare things no matter what they are.

Bill Pflanz
I dont think I was (am) a nerd!
The slide rule was the best tools at the time for electrical and physical calculations before the scientific calculator came on the scene (at a VERY high price)
BTW I still have mine somewhere.. maybe Ill use them for funding my retirement later :)

Bazzle
 

Wes Bucey

Quite Involved in Discussions
#14
I mentioned this thread to my wife. She claims we still have several slide rules around the house which she has come across on various occasions. We may even have one of her dad's, dating back to the 1930's, from when he was in engineering school. Mine date to the 50's and 60's. I no longer have any of the circular ones which were in such vogue in the early 60's - they were plastic and the center rivet always seemed to pull through the plastic, destroying the instrument.

I do recall wearing mine like a dagger in a sheath on my belt.

Back in the late 70's, the treasurer of our investment bank had one in a glass case on a wall in our "computer room" (remember those?), with an engraved plaque which read, "In event of power outage, break glass!"
 
B

Bill Pflanz

#16
My earliest calculators are all busted, but I still use a HP11c from 1982 at work (It is so good that I hope that it will last until my retirement) and a HP48GX at home./Claes
If the collectable calculator is in high demand, it may not matter if it is not functioning. There is even a market for spare parts and people who repair old calculators.

Bill Pflanz
 
D

David Hartman

#17
I have a friend that paid $399 for his TI-99 two weeks before they decided to discontinue them and sold them for $99 (as I recall, about a week later they went on sale for $49). He was upset to say the least. :)
 

hogheavenfarm

Quite Involved in Discussions
#20
Re: Pays to be a Nerd?

Hey guys, I have never seen one one these anywhere, supposedly 'more useful' than a slide rule, although, I admit I havent used a slide rule since high school chemistry class...
 

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