By the late 1960s, computers had scale down from their original massive size to something that could fit into the average home. The companies developing these newer, smaller computers knew that there was a market for them, but how would they go about convincing the average person that a computer would be a worthwhile investment? What would someone do with it? In 1969, Honeywell thought they had finally answered that question with the release of a pedestal version of their H316 computer. The Neiman Marcus catalog carried the following ad:
"If she can only cook as well as Honeywell can compute."
"Her souffles are supreme, her meal planning a challenge? She's what the Honeywell people had in mind when they devised our Kitchen Computer. She'll learn to program it with a cross-reference to her favorite recipes by N-M's own Helen Corbitt. Then by simply pushing a few buttons obtain a complete menu organized around the entree. And if she pales at reckoning her lunch tabs, she can program it to balance the family checkbook. 84A 10,600.00 complete with two week programming course. 84B Fed with Corbitt data: the original Helen Corbitt cookbook with over 1,000 recipes $100 (.75) 84C Her Potluck, 375 of our famed Zodiac restaurant's best kept secret recipes 3.95 (.75) Corbitt Epicure 84D Her Labaird Apron, one-size, ours alone by Clairdon House, multi-pastel provencial cotton 26.00 (.90) Trophy Room"
The computer, which had a built in cutting board, promised to change the kitchen forever. However, the $10,600 price tag (which equates to $51,854.05 in today's dollars) was excessive. It is unlikely that any were sold, let alone ever built. Even if the price was not a challenge, the accompanying two-week training class necessary to program the device was a deterrent. Not to mention the fact that the user interface consisted of a strip of lights and switches, making recording or reading any information a significant endeavor.
While the 1969 Kitchen Computer did not take off, today's devices, such the Samsung Galaxy and Apple iPad, are looking to finally fulfill this niche. Two week training class not included.
-Professor Walter
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