return to main pageComparing 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
Notes:
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 % 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
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 spaceZero, works until you
give it away,- for a fancier model