 |
 |
|
|
The HP-01
"calculator watch" performed more than three dozen functions
to manipulate and interrelate time, calendar and numeric data.
The user operated the 28 tiny keys with a stylus built into
the bracelet. |
The HP-01 wrist instrument looked like a digital watch but was
smarter than many pocket calculators. It performed more than three
dozen functions to manipulate and interrelate time, calendar and
numeric data. With six interactive functions (time, alarm, timer/stopwatch,
date/calendar, calculator and memory) the HP-01 had 28 tiny keys
that the user operated with a stylus built into the bracelet.
The HP-01, code-named "Cricket,"
was not a successful product for HP.
It was too bulky and heavy, and HP sold it though upscale jewelry
stores. But miniaturizing the math functions was quite an engineering
feat, and when HP discontinued manufacturing the HP-01,
its inner workings were destroyed so no one would copy the extraordinarily
small package engineering. The HP
Archives has a few of the remaining elements.
The HP-01 currently is one
of the most sought after collectibles in the antique electronics
market, often fetching two or three times its original price ($650
for the silver color, $750 for the gold version).
Additional information:
Permission to copy without fee all or part of this publication
is hereby granted provided that 1) the copies are not made, used,
displayed, or distributed for commercial advantage; 2) the Hewlett-Packard
Company copyright notice and the title of the publication and date
appear on the copies; and 3) a notice appears stating that the copying
is by permission of the Hewlett-Packard Company.
To view any of the above PDF files, you need to have the Adobe
Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. Acrobat Reader is a free
plug-in. You can download the latest
version or download a version
with accessibility features.
|
