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Comparing this PC
with either of the IBM1401 systems being restored in this room

Stan Paddock looked at this chart, and suggested the chart Down Here

Warning: This table is for GEEKS only !! if you aren't, go Click Here
item PC 1401 ratio approx % dif
Characters of memory 1,000,000,000 16,000 62,500 6,250,000 %
Clock rate per second 2,000,000,000 87,000 23,000 2,298,850 %
8 digit additions per second        
? clocks, from/to cache
7 32    
  285,714,286 2,719 105,090 10,509,000 %
? clocks, from/to memory
90 32    
  22,222,222 2,719 8,174 817,400 %
Mass storage, characters disk 4 tapes(1)    
  500,000,000,000 14,400,000 34,722 3,472,222 %
- sequential access data rate
1,000,000 2,000 500 50,000 %
- random access data rate
2,000 3 667 66,666 %
Printer, pages/minute 12 12 1 0.00%
Other I/O, char/sec Internet card reader    
  40,000 1,000 40 4000 %
Cost, in 2009 dollars $ 1,000 $ 1,000,000 0.001 0.10 %
Notes:

1) (characters 555/inch, 200 char/block =about 250/inch@1200ft times 4)

I think the above numbers are off by no more than 50% off (mostly).

Corrections and additions solicited. E-mail Ed Thelen


IBM 1401 vs Modern IBM PC
Stan Paddock's Version ;-))

This table is for sitcom and sports channel watchers
Attribute IBM 1401 Modern IBM PC
Computer yes yes
memory core dynamic ram
Mem size microscopic fantastic
Speed slow as mud fast as lightning
In Use 0000002 1,000,000,000 by 2010
Size large bedroom in refrigerator
Power 3 households 60 watt lightbulb
Repair people 000000008 243,984,176.5
Repair locations 0000001 243.984.6
Cost (new) 1 fancy private airplane 1 fancy bicycle
Cost maintenance/year same as maintaining a
private airplane,
including hanger space
Zero, works until you
give it away,
- for a fancier model