| Joy and Billy Ray Blackwood were early adopters of computer technology, and ran the majority of
their administrative functions using the Philips Micom 2002 Computer. The 2002 model is similar to another
machine we have listed on our site, the Micom 2001E.
One of the most interesting things about the Micom is perhaps the price. A complete system with the printer and
a terminal (and software of course) could easily cost you close to $20,000. The Micom system was primarily used for
Word Processing. The daisy wheel printer was so loud that the Blackwood's decided that they needed to buy the
printer cover, which completely encases the printer and keeps the sound down.
The Micom is technically a mini computer. You can't actually use the machine without attaching a terminal.
The common terminal looks an awful lot like the Commodore PET, but Philips released a smaller cost reduced model
called the 1001 that was supposed to ease up the burden of use on the main terminals.
Overall, the machine did not do very well as the cost of microcomputers fell dramatically and the machine has become
one of the more obscure finds we have at the museum. The Blackwood's had a lot of their original documentation and software
so you'll have to come and visit us to see what it looks like in person.
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Did you know?
This Micom almost ended up in California. An interested party wanted the machine, but the idea of shipping
this machine (and especially the heavy printer) was what ultimately led to the machine staying in Canada.
After picking up this machine, we discovered we were awfully close to a video game developer that we had
to drive by. It was definitely a bonus to end the day.
The Micom was used by many school boards in their administration offices.
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