The World's Largest Computer in 1951

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around historical and technical aspects of significant machines and vehicles, including the ENIAC computer and the Russian Ekranoplan. Participants engage in a quiz-like format, posing questions and providing hints about various inventions, their specifications, and historical context.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the ENIAC, detailing its size, weight, components, and power consumption, while noting its limited processing power compared to modern devices.
  • Another participant identifies the ENIAC as the machine described in the previous post.
  • Participants discuss a large vehicle that weighs 540 tons, can travel over land and water, and is hinted to be built in Russia, leading to speculation about its identity.
  • Some participants propose that the vehicle in question is the Russian Ekranoplan, explaining its design and operational principles related to ground effect.
  • There is a discussion about a vehicle that achieved over 188 miles per gallon, with participants speculating on its type and historical significance, including a mention of a Harley Davidson motorcycle from 1908.
  • One participant describes a crude device involving a wooden stand, a funnel, acid, and copper wire, prompting further questions about its purpose.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the identity of some machines, particularly the vehicle that achieved high fuel efficiency, as various guesses and clarifications are made. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of some inventions and their historical context.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the specifications and classifications of the vehicles discussed, particularly regarding the Ekranoplan's operational capabilities and the fuel efficiency claims of the motorcycle.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in the history of computing, engineering innovations, and the evolution of vehicle technology may find this discussion engaging.

  • #1,291
wolram said:
Honest, Europe.

Thanke kind sir, is that a clue?

Nope, I was saying "honestrosewater, you're up!"

Obviously far too cryptic... :smile:
 
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  • #1,292
brewnog said:
Obviously far too cryptic... :smile:
But hardly unexpected... :wink:
 
  • #1,293
Moonbear is still due a question.
 
  • #1,294
Ivan Seeking said:
Moonbear is still due a question.
What is with that- she's always due a question... :-p Well, I'm here and ready.

America and China have this in common, though America's is bigger.
 
  • #1,295
A space programme?
 
  • #1,296
No, this is something only America and China have.

BTW, I mean the US, not the Americas, if there's any confusion.
 
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  • #1,297
China may lose theirs soon.
 
  • #1,298
Alligators?
 
  • #1,299
honestrosewater said:
Alligators?
I'm very curious as to why you are guessing answers to your own question.
 
  • #1,300
zoobyshoe said:
I'm very curious as to why you are guessing answers to your own question.


Me too, me too!

What's going on, hrw?!
 
  • #1,301
their ego?
 
  • #1,302
What's going on, hrw?!

impatience, no one answered for AGES n AGES.
 
  • #1,303
:smile: Yeah, I had to leave- I wrote another post explaining that, but I guess it didn't stick. :confused: It was alligators. The Chinese Alligator is facing extinction. Anyway, someone else can go- if there's anyone still around.
 
  • #1,304
Holland has one of these, so does Greenland.

The USA doesn't have any, neither does the UK, or Canada.
 
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  • #1,305
brewnog said:
Holland has it, so does Greenland.

The USA doesn't have it, neither does the UK, or Canada.
Honest government?
 
  • #1,306
Ha, no. :smile:
 
  • #1,307
The Seychelles and Philippines also have this thing, I believe.

France, Germany, Spain, and indeed most other European countries don't have it.

Russia does, but China and India don't.
 
  • #1,308
A giant joint?
 
  • #1,309
Heheheh. No. :smile:
 
  • #1,310
Is it a living thing?
 
  • #1,311
honestrosewater said:
Is it a living thing?

No.

Having done a bit of research, I can tell you that the only places in Africa which seem to have it are Cameroon, Morocco, the Seychelles, Sierra Leone, and Guinea-Bissaau, (which has two of them!).
 
  • #1,312
dike? ...
 
  • #1,313
Evo said:
dike? ...

I beg your pardon!
 
  • #1,314
brewnog said:
I beg your pardon!
is that a no? :blushing:
 
  • #1,315
Evo said:
is that a no? :blushing:

Yes! :smile:
 
  • #1,316
I think I've ruled out anything concerning languages or government...
Maybe some kind of geographical feature? The US has about everything I can think of... Something about transportation?? Just thinking aloud...
Also nothing to do with flags...
 
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  • #1,317
honestrosewater said:
I think I've ruled out anything concerning languages or government...
Maybe some kind of geographical feature? The US has about everything I can think of... Something about transportation?? Just thinking aloud...


Bear in mind that I'm lazy, and relatively ignorant. I really wouldn't look that hard for this one.
 
  • #1,318
grits...
 
  • #1,319
Evo said:
grits...


I'm not even going to dignify that with a response.
 
  • #1,320
you just did :biggrin:
 

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