“2001” laptop: second success

Part of the “keyboard” from the briefcase computer has been identified. Many of the keys come from a Remington “Super Riter” typewriter; a dirt cheap copy of which was located on ebay. It appears that the larger right-hand component is likely a simple box made to order for the prop, with keys from the typewriter simply glued or screwed to it. Note that there is no “Q” key, though there is a blank key to the far right, next to the “P.” Headcanon can conclude that some weird cultural shift has caused the Q to move tot he other side of the keyboard… and the Q is now so popular that use has eroded the “Q” printed on the key.

 

The numeric keys on the left hand side remain unknown. Probably from an adding machine… given that *some* of the keys, the math function keys, look like they are structurally the same as the “Super Riter” keys, at least those would seem to come from a Remington product.

 

Note an aluminum “band” at the top of the right-hand keyboard. There is a slot that runs most of the length of it. I would *assume* that this is where paper comes out… a built-in printer. The band would seem to be not an off the shelf product, but likely something easily fabricated.

 

 

Next challenge: the video camera. I am on the fence about whether this is a full “product,” or a mishmash of, say, OTS lenses and fabricated body. Note that there is a folded-up tripod stowed behind it. This is doubtless a commercial product.

 

Also: now that I think about it, I *swear* that I’ve seen a photo of this prop with the camera removed and set up on the tripod. Sound familiar to anyone?

2 responses to ““2001” laptop: second success”

  1. Rod Thorsen Avatar
    Rod Thorsen

    Possibly a small spotting scope?

  2. Jeff Wright Avatar
    Jeff Wright

    No…that box might hold a motor.
    The conical head….drill mounted to table…no.

    Remember rooftop antenna controllers?

    https://www.pinterest.com/pin/rooftop-antenna-controller-my-mom-would-only-let-us-turn-it-a-couple-of-clicks-at-a-time-in-fear-of-the-a–253186810273549689/

    That’s the dial…but the motor was up top.

    Honeywell make those?