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Olivetti Programma 101 computer designed by Mario Bellini

The Olivetti Programma 101 was released on the international market in 1965 as a low cost desktop computer. It was a successful product, selling over 44,000 units from 1965 through to the early 1970s. Ninety per cent of sales were to North America, where its market dominance was attributed to its simplicity, functionality, robust construction, appearance and low cost. The Programma 101's commercial life ended in the early 1970s with the introduction of competing products such as the …

Summary

Object No.

2008/107/1

Object Statement

Computer, Programma 101, and documents (3), plastic / metal / paper / electronic components, hardware architect Pier Giorgio Perotto, designed by Mario Bellini, made by Olivetti, Italy, 1965-1971

Physical Description

Large programmable desktop calculator / computer with aluminium casing. The front face features a keyboard and card output mechanisms with a gentle downward slope allowing for comfortable typing. The magnetic memory or program cards are fed downward into a slot and through the reader toward the front of the machine. A paper tape printout mechanism is mounted on the upper right side of the machine. The memory and other hardware is housed in the back half of the machine, and this section is defined by a casing join. The computer includes a black electrical cord. The computer is also accompanied by a paperback operating manual and two books of blank program sheets.

Short URL

https://ma.as/378406

Dimensions

Height

275 mm

Width

465 mm

Depth

610 mm

Source

Credit Line

Gift of Faculty of Engineering, University of Sydney, 2008

Acquisition Date

21 May 2008

Cite this Object

Harvard

Olivetti Programma 101 computer designed by Mario Bellini 2022, Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, accessed 27 March 2023, <https://ma.as/378406>

Wikipedia

{{cite web |url=https://ma.as/378406 |title=Olivetti Programma 101 computer designed by Mario Bellini |author=Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences |access-date=27 March 2023 |publisher=Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences, Australia}}

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