Riccardo Mori4d ago
The Sharp IQ7300-M databank with 64KB of internal memory was released in 1990. I purchased it in 1991 after saving for months. I loved the idea of it having a series of external cards that extended its functionalities. I remember there were games like chess, there were dictionaries and other utilities. This thing is a bit like an Apple Newton, in the sense that it has kept going for 35 years, just by periodically replacing batteries. It still holds memos and phone numbers I saved 30 years ago.
Show threadRiccardo Mori4d ago

The image I used in the previous post was taken from the web to illustrate how the card system works: you insert a card in the slot on the left part of the device, and those icons you see on the card are actually touch buttons you press for the desired function.

This photo is of my unit. I replaced the batteries today. I’m pleasantly surprised at the quality of the LCD display, which hasn’t degraded in the least in all the device’s lifetime.

(Yes, the ABCDEF layout of the keyboard is abysmal.)

Show threadRiccardo Mori
The device works with two CR2032 button cells and a CR2016 cell that is used to retain the stored information when the other two cells need replacement. I love that the procedure for battery replacement is conveniently printed on the inside of the backplate.
Mar 13 at 6:05pmWeb
Show threadRiccardo Mori4d ago

(Adding tags for personal future reference.)

#sharp #databank #organiser #calculator

Show threadEric Schwarz 4d ago

@morrick I wanted a Sharp Wizard when I was a kid…had a few others here and there and I think most had a similar mechanism. Definitely agree that QWERTY > ABCDEF!

(Also wanted an HP OmniGo 100, but used prices for them are about where they were when new…although I guess inflation-adjustments make them “cheaper?”)

Show threadThomas Brand4d ago
@morrick reminds me of a Newton.
Show threadGregory4d ago

@morrick things engineers had to do before flash memory was available!

Though the practice of using RAM for storage somehow stuck way beyond that. I remember that Palm PDAs in the 00s still did that.