Home > Hand-held Calculators

Rapid Data Rapidman 800

Rapid Data Rapidman 800

Display 8 digits, red LED.

Four-function - Fixed decimal point (2 places of decimals).

Integrated circuit - Mostek MK5010P, & 24 transistors.

9v (PP3).

80 x 137 x 23 mm (3.15" x 5.4" x 0.9").

Introduced February 1972, cost just under $100 / £40 Sterling.

Rapid Data Systems & Equipment Ltd., Made in Canada.

This was a very low-cost calculator - the first sub-US$100 / sub-£40 Sterling electronic calculator.
This was achieved by using a single "calculator on a chip" integrated circuit, a low-cost keypad design, and an ingenious one-piece polypropylene moulding for the case incorporating the front, the back, the key caps, and the battery compartment cover. But this does give it a very cheap feel.

Vintage Calculators

© Text & photographs copyright Nigel Tout  2000-2008 except where noted otherwise.