NEAC-1210

This very small-size computer was developed by NEC in 1964, featuring its performance, its flexibility, and its low price comparable to the traditional small-size accounting machine. This computer was the first computer in Japan which was successfully manufactured with overall production planning. Over 700 machines had been shipped by August, 1966. From earlier years, NEC had been paying attention to the small-size computer market and its future prosperity. In 1961, NEC developed NEAC-1201 which was put to practical use. Following NEAC-1201, NEAC-1210 was developed as a stored program computer. Its standard system consisted of a computation unit, a console including a storage unit, NEAC WRITER (typewriter, tape-reader, tape-punch). Parametron devices were utilized to realize the stable, inexpensive, and small-size computation unit. For the storage unit, a magnetic drum was newly developed with its capacity of 3000 digits. The drum also featured the small size, stability, and long-life. The system was economical; the installation of the system required no special facilities, and it was able to be installed in general office rooms with its small footprint. In 1965, it was displayed in New York World's Fair for a half year from May. In April, 1966, it was awarded the 12th Okochi memorial prize. The experience of NEAC-1210 development was succeeded by NEAC-1240 announced in 1967, and an office computer, NEAC System 100, come to market in 1973. A system including a computation unit, a console and other units has been reserved and displayed in NEC.