The History of the Curta Calculator

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    Calculator History
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The discussion highlights the fascination with the Curta mechanical calculator, known for its intricate design and historical significance. Many participants express a desire to own one, reminiscing about their unavailability in the past. Currently, Curta calculators can be found on eBay, but prices often exceed typical collectors' budgets, with listings around $2,499. Additionally, a humorous mention of a Curta-themed poster available at Walmart for $18.99 contrasts the high cost of the actual calculator. A video demonstrating how the Curta works is also referenced, showcasing its mechanical ingenuity. Overall, the conversation reflects a blend of nostalgia, admiration for mechanical engineering, and the challenges of collecting vintage items.
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Read through the whole article. Quite magnificent, I must say.
 
I always wanted to get one when I was younger but they just weren't available. Now you can find them on ebay but at a cost that is way over my budget of collection.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1544132836...2749490302&abcId=9300678&merchantid=101738850

and then there's the Walmart ad for $18.99 you can own a Curta... POSTER!

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Calculator-Curta-Mechanical-Accurate-Type-Ii-20-Inch-By-30-Laminated-Poster-With-Bright-Colors-And-Vivid-Imagery-Fits-Perfectly-In-Many-Attractive-Fr/652094648?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=13858&&adid=22222222227000000000&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=42423897272&wl4=pla-51320962143&wl5=9028292&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=118780606&wl11=online&wl12=652094648&veh=sem&gclsrc=ds

and this video on how it works:

 
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jedishrfu said:
find them on ebay but at a cost that is way over my budget of collection.
At that price US $2,499.00 I would sell the one that is sitting on my desk.
 
Thread 'Is this public key encryption?'
I've tried to intuit public key encryption but never quite managed. But this seems to wrap it up in a bow. This seems to be a very elegant way of transmitting a message publicly that only the sender and receiver can decipher. Is this how PKE works? No, it cant be. In the above case, the requester knows the target's "secret" key - because they have his ID, and therefore knows his birthdate.
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