A Computer Story

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IBM 701


Dan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Type: Electronic digital computer

Presentation and Sale Period: Announced to the public on May 21, 1952; a total of 19 units shipped starting from the same year

Weight: 9.3 tons (complete configuration)

Processor: Arithmetic and Control Unit (IBM 701)

Memory: 2048 words (72 William tubes)

Storage Media: Punched card reader (IBM 711), punched card recorder (IBM 721), magnetic drum reader/recorder (IBM 731) 2 magnetic tape readers/recorders (IBM 726 and 727)

Operating System: none

Notes: It was the first scientific computer to be sold commercially by IBM.


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