Storm Lake Pilot Tribune, May 9, 1979:
County buys new computer / At cost of $93,000
Buena Vista county has purchased a new computer for the courthouse at a net cost of over $93,000. The board of supervisors voted Tuesday to buy a Burroughs B 800 computer for installation in late August or the first part of September.
Cost of the basic computer and accessories is $91,112, but the county will get a government discount and trade-in allowance on its current computer for $18,000, leaving a new cost of $73,112. “Software” items and training will boost the cost to $77,252. In addition, various programs will increase the cost another $16,300, putting total cost at $93,552.
Curt Brown, Storm Lake, territory manager for Burroughs, said the basic difference between the B 800 and the county’s existing Burroughs computer is all information is stored on a disc rather than on punch cards. The new unit is capable of storing more information and operates at greater speed.
The B 800 will be operated by video terminal display units, similar to a television screen. The terminals can be set up in different offices, and the basic cost includes six such terminals. Plans are to locate terminals in the offices of assessor, auditor, treasurer, recorder and engineer.
The Rhode Island Computer Museum calls the B 800 computer an “unusual piece from a largely forgotten manufacturer.” Five figures of “software” items and it couldn’t even drive a turtle.