The MX70 Bowmar Brain (Calculator)

YEAR: 1973
ITEM: Other
COMPANY: Bowmar
COUNTRY: USA
IN OUR COLLECTION: Yes

The MX70 Bowmar Brain is an arithmetic calculator with 8 digits precision along with algebraic logic. It has 4 functions, 19 keys and an LED display, which was common in this era of calculators. It has a rechargeable battery pack that comes included with a proper wall charger. The MX70 also comes with a leather zippered case that could make your calculator portable and easily accessible while keeping it in protection.

After reviewing their business plan in 1970 and analyzing new trends in the marketplace, Bowmar decided to design and manufacture portable calculators which would be sold to marketing companies outside of Japan because Bowmar could not sell their LED displays to Japan. In September 1971, they restructured their plan and began shipping their first model unit, under their own nameplate. This model, the 901B, was also produced for other companies like Craig (model 4501) and Commodore (C110). Bowmar soon became one of the world's largest producers of electronic calculators, mainly pocket models, for sale by themselves and by other companies such as Sears, Radio Shack, etc. Early Bowmar calculators were made in the USA. In later years some were also made or assembled in Mexico.

In the mid-1970s, as the calculator "boom" was in full swing, Bowmar could not get enough integrated circuit chips from their suppliers and could not keep pace with the marketplace in low cost and new features. By 1976 the company had gone bankrupt, leaving a legacy of technical and marketing innovations.

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