Great machines Message #10 Posted by Bob on 14 Oct 2003, 8:03 a.m., in response to message #1 by db(martinez,california)
When I lived in China ('95-'98), the abacus was used everywhere. All of the little shops and stores had them at the ready. (and they were FAST!) We used to challenge them to race in math calculations until we grew tired of being humiliated. It is a skill still taught to accountants in the universities.
I saw one being used in a small village restaurant that looked to be 1000 years old. It had lots of character and was well worn. I bought a new one and took to the little old woman to use to entice her to sell it to me. When I offered an outrageous sum of money and the new abacus, for the old one, she turned me down. My translator told me that she simply didn't trust the new one like the one she was used to. ......? When you think about it, it is just like preferring a 41CV to a 49G because of the keys.
I took the new one home and now it hangs on the wall in my office, at the ready, should my 48GX fail.
Just like HP's, each abacus model has it's loyal fans.
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