When Vintage Business Machines Dwarfed The Workers

Vintage business machines computers

 

I’m sure I’ve posted some of these photographs on Flashbak before; after a while I lose track of what I have and haven’t posted. Regardless, these images are worthy of a second look. These are snapshots of the paleolithic era of the modern office – full of electronic dinosaurs, dwarfing the tiny office workers. I’m sure these massive whirring behemoths could now fit inside your back pocket; but back then, they were state of the art.

It’s interesting to note that the miniaturization of technology was largely unpredicted. Most imagined highly evolved computers such as H.A.L., but no one could have predicted that H.A.L. would one day fit in your purse. Those of you that never got to experience a room full of these electronic leviathans will never, perhaps, comprehend the change. It wasn’t just size, it was noise – these suckers were loud.

 

Vintage business machines computers

 

Now, I’m nowere near an expert on these old magnetic tape storage systems, and so I’m relying on some of you readers to point out what we’re looking at. I’d be very interested to know what some of this instrumentation was used for, and any other tidbits you could share.

For those of you not so much interested in the vintage tech, I think you’ll still enjoy the decor and overall “vibe” of these office spaces.

 

Vintage business machines computers

 

I can’t help but wonder at the cost of this equipment. Obviously, it was highly expensive and not common in most offices. I’m guessing my phone has more storage capacity than that big rig.

 

Vintage business machines computers

 

It’s no wonder the personal computer was so revolutionary. No need for a forklift or full time staff of caretakers; you suddenly had UNIVAC in your living room.

 

Vintage business machines computers

 

Any of you out there ever work with these big-ass magnetic tapes? It’s amazing to think that all that high tech gadgetry still had to have some chick threading it onto a spool.

 

Vintage business machines computers

 

A good quality scanner is still sort of big, bulky and expensive. I wonder why this area of the market hasn’t seen the drastic improvement as other areas such as networking, data storage, printing, etc.

 

Vintage business machines computers

 

Ah, the merging of the unwashed hippies with the starched shirt wearing businessmen. This was a potent combination that was to usher in the digital age.

 

Vintage business machines computers

Vintage business machines computers

 

Vintage business machines computers

Vintage business machines computers Vintage business machines computers

Vintage business machines computers Vintage business machines computers
Vintage business machines computers Vintage business machines computers Vintage business machines computers Vintage business machines Vintage business machines

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