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DATAMATH CALCULATOR MUSEUM

Sharp EL-8130 super thinman

Date of introduction:	June 1977	Display technology:	LCD
New price:	¥8.500	Display size:	8
Size:	4.9" x 2.7" x 0.2"
Weight:	2.3 ounces	Serial No:	77022959
Batteries:	2*SR1130	Date of manufacture:	year 1979
AC-Adapter:		Origin of manufacture:	Japan
Precision:	8	Integrated circuits:
Memories:
Program steps:		Courtesy of:	Gerhard Wenzel

Sharp Corporation introduced in the 1977 with the EL-8036 and this EL-8130 the World’s first touch key calculator using a membrane keypad.

Another Sharp breakthrough was the development of the membrane's flat keypad, which allowed the calculator to shrink even further to only 0.2" in thickness (the EL-8130 was called the "super thinman"). Since the keys lack any tactile response when pushed, these units had a special key which activated a beep that sounded upon each key press. This "sensor touch" keys used in many later Sharp calculators, had a musical note symbol on the key.

Another two year later thickness was reduced to unbelievable 1.6mm (0.35"). Don't miss the EL-8152.

Read more about Sharp Corporation’s Calculator Innovations.

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