Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
This drawing of the Key-Cassette is among the oldest preserved
sketches of a microcomputer designed for the consumer market.
(Source: M. Kutt's archive.)
tures of his “computer of the future.” The notes leave no doubt
that the new semiconductor products from Intel and the success
of pocket and desktop electronic calculators on the consumer
market had a major impact on Kutt. “The world was full of
calculators,” recollected Kutt. “They made a real Big Bang.”
Initially, Kutt was of the opinion that a prototype, at least, of
the
APL
computer could be made by
KSI
from off-the-shelf cal-
culator components. In his notes, Kutt remarked: “Try and use
existing calculator cover, display, modify power supply, and re-
place keyboard.” Indeed, off-the-shelf calculator components
would save his young company money. For example, a computer
case matching the design elegance of a typical desktop calcula-
tor cover would have to be manufactured using injection mold-
ing. But that was an expensive process: a good quality mould
with sharp corners would cost around $25,000.
Kutt's notes also contain an unusual drawing in which he de-
picted the “Key-Cassette” device, undoubtedly the first incarna-
