George: computer for 1958 MIT

Vintage Computer Festival East is an annual computer exhibition held in Wall, New Jersey. This exhibition shows computers of the mid-20th century (50s, 60s, 70s). This exhibition features many interesting computer systems, including the main exhibit: the George computer, developed in a single copy for MIT. Accordingly, this computer does not have a serial number, only the name received from the creator, George A. Philbrick Researches.

Unfortunately, assembling such a rarity is not an easy task. Volunteers working at the exhibition almost assembled the system, but did not manage to launch it yet - this will probably happen in a few days. It is worth noting that the exhibition employees not only keep their exhibits in their current form, but also restore what does not work. In the near future - the replacement of the George PSU with 400 V with something more modern and less lethal.



The system itself is of a modular type, with cables that connect individual fuses. Each module performs its own task. For example, just above the monitor you can see the inscription "Universal Multiplier - Divider". There is also an Arbitrary Function Component module that is responsible for plotting. At the same time, there is no “correct” configuration for the modules - everything has to be learned empirically. The entire setup, according to MIT engineers, will take about a week.









In addition to George, the exhibition has a lot of interesting things. For example, a replica of Apple I, with a selection of original models of Apple computers of later times. There is even a part of ENIAC, and a robot that looks like a native of Star Wars.





There is another interesting computer called “MOBIle DIgital Computer”. Its mobility, however, lies in the fact that the computer can be transported - it is placed in a considerable trailer size. In another trailer - generators and power supplies for the system. The abbreviation for the system is MOBIDIC.