The World's Largest Computer in 1951

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The discussion centers around two significant machines: the ENIAC, an early computer that was 10 feet tall, weighed 30 tons, and required 150 kilowatts of power, and the Russian Ekranoplan, a ground effect vehicle that could travel over 400 km/h and weighed 540 tons. The ENIAC utilized a vast number of electronic components but had less processing power than a modern pocket calculator. The Ekranoplan, developed by the Soviet Union, operates just above water using a shock wave principle, allowing it to travel over various terrains. The conversation also touches on trivia and historical facts about these machines, highlighting their unique engineering and capabilities. Overall, the thread showcases a blend of technical details and engaging quiz-like interactions.
  • #2,461
I give up, I don't know!
 
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  • #2,462
1946: Creation of the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) by P. Eckert and J Mauchly.The programming of this calculator is carried out while recablant between them, its various elements. Composed of 19000 tubes, it weighs 30 tons, occupies a surface of 72 m2 and consumes 140 kilowatts. Clock: 100 Khz. Speed: approximately 330 multiplications a second :

http://www.library.upenn.edu/exhibits/rbm/mauchly/jwm0-1.html
 
  • #2,463
Anybody get deja vu?
 
  • #2,464
wolram said:
It was 10 feet tall, occupied 1,000 square feet of floor- space, weighed in at approximately 30 tons, and used more than 70,000 resistors, 10,000 capacitors, 6,000 switches, and 18,000 vacuum tubes. The final machine required 150 kilowatts of power, which was enough to light a small town.
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what was it?
For all of that, it didn't have the horsepower of a programable hand calulator today.:bugeye:
 
  • #2,465
As claimed, it was a cross between that of Catherine Hepburn, Truman Capote, and Hal, the computer from the movie, 2001. What was it?
 
  • #2,466
Ivan Seeking said:
As claimed, it was a cross between that of Catherine Hepburn, Truman Capote, and Hal, the computer from the movie, 2001. What was it?

"Hello Clarice."
 
  • #2,467
Correct! It was the voice of Hannibal Lecter.

Personally, I think he should have thrown in a little Tom Snyder.
 
  • #2,468
This natural object gave someone the idea for parallel processing.
 
  • #2,469
zoobyshoe said:
This natural object gave someone the idea for parallel processing.
The brain?
 

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