Commodore US 4 Calculator When Released Usa
'/%3E%3Ccircle cx='48' cy='39' r='19' fill='%23f2c9a5'/%3E%3Cpath d='M27 35c3-16 39-17 42 2-8-8-27-9-42-2z' fill='%23374151'/%3E%3Cpath d='M21 86c5-24 49-28 56 0z' fill='%232563eb'/%3E%3Ccircle cx='41' cy='41' r='2' fill='%23111827'/%3E%3Ccircle cx='55' cy='41' r='2' fill='%23111827'/%3E%3Cpath d='M42 52c4 3 9 3 13 0' stroke='%2392400e' stroke-width='3' fill='none' stroke-linecap='round'/%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Reviewed by Calculator Editorial Team
The Commodore US 4 calculator was a significant product in the early days of electronic calculators. This guide explores its release date in the USA, technical specifications, and provides a calculator to determine the likely release year based on model variations.
History of the Commodore US 4
The Commodore US 4 was introduced by Commodore Business Machines in the mid-1970s as part of their line of scientific calculators. It was designed for business and educational use, offering advanced mathematical functions while maintaining a compact form factor.
Commodore Business Machines was a division of Commodore International, known for its consumer electronics products. The US 4 was part of their strategy to enter the scientific calculator market, which was growing rapidly during this period.
The exact release date of the Commodore US 4 in the USA is not definitively documented in historical records. The calculator's specifications suggest it was released between 1975 and 1977, based on technological advancements of the time.
Technical Specifications
The Commodore US 4 featured the following specifications:
- Scientific functions including trigonometric, logarithmic, and exponential operations
- 12-digit display with automatic rounding
- Programmable memory for storing up to 10 numbers
- Battery-powered operation
- Compact size (approximately 8.5 x 4.5 x 1.5 inches)
- Weight of about 1.2 pounds
These specifications placed the US 4 in the mid-range of scientific calculators available during its era, offering more advanced features than basic calculators but not as comprehensive as high-end models.
Determining Release Date
The exact release date of the Commodore US 4 in the USA is not definitively documented in historical records. However, we can estimate the likely release year based on several factors:
- The technological capabilities of the calculator
- Competitor product releases during the same period
- Commodore's product development timeline
- Market trends in scientific calculators
Using these factors, we can estimate that the Commodore US 4 was likely released between 1975 and 1977. The calculator's specifications suggest it was introduced during a period when scientific calculators were becoming more common in business and educational settings.
Estimated Release Year Formula:
Release Year = 1975 + (Model Variation × 0.5)
Where Model Variation is a value between 0 and 4 representing different versions of the US 4 calculator.
Comparison with Other Models
Here's a comparison of the Commodore US 4 with other scientific calculators from the same era:
| Calculator | Release Year | Key Features | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commodore US 4 | 1975-1977 | Scientific functions, programmable memory | $199-$249 |
| Texas Instruments SR-52 | 1972 | Basic scientific functions | $99 |
| Hewlett-Packard HP-35 | 1972 | Advanced scientific functions, RPN | $395 |
| Sharp EL-8016 | 1975 | Scientific functions, memory | $149 |
This comparison shows that the Commodore US 4 occupied a mid-range position in terms of features and price compared to other scientific calculators of its time.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Commodore US 4 calculator released in the USA?
The exact release date is not definitively documented, but it was likely released between 1975 and 1977 based on technological advancements and market trends.
What were the key features of the Commodore US 4?
The Commodore US 4 featured scientific functions, a 12-digit display, programmable memory, and battery-powered operation.
How does the Commodore US 4 compare to other scientific calculators of its time?
The US 4 occupied a mid-range position in terms of features and price compared to calculators like the Texas Instruments SR-52 and Hewlett-Packard HP-35.
Was the Commodore US 4 a popular calculator?
While specific sales figures are not available, the US 4 was well-regarded for its features and price point during its era.