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Canon Palmtronic MD-8 aka MULTI 8

Date of introduction:  1979 Display technology:  Fluorescent
New price:   Display size:  8 + 8
Size:  6.1" x 3.1" x 0.90"
 156 x 78 x 23 mm3		    
Weight:  5.6 ounces, 159 grams Serial No:  692136
Batteries:  3*AA Date of manufacture:  year 1979
AC-Adapter:   Origin of manufacture:  Japan
Precision:  8  Integrated circuits:  TMC1079
Memories:  1    
Program steps:   Courtesy of:  Joerg Woerner

MULTI_8_Disp.jpg (77636 Byte)The Canon Palmtronic MD-8 was the first pocket calculator using a two-line display. The upper display is the usual working display while the lower line shows the memory content or intermediate results.
 
The innovative electronics inside the MD-8 is based on the TMS1000 Microcomputer family. The TMS1079 found inside the MD-8 is similar to the calculator Integrated Circuit of the TI-2550-II. 

The related Canola MD 810 uses similar electronics in a desktop style housing. Within one year Canon replaced the power-hungry VF-Display with a modern LC-Display and introduced the MD-81.



If you have additions to the above article please email: joerg@datamath.org.

© Joerg Woerner, July 3, 2002. No reprints without written permission.