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Cray 1 Lobby Computer
The Cray 1 supercomputer was the fastest computer in the world for a year after its construction.
More importantly, it was a significant departure in aesthetics from the boxy designs typical of computer systems. Cray designed this system to with the goal of making its brand more identifiable. It encouraged its customers in industry to house this system in the lobbies of their headquarters in order to make computing more visible. Moreover, customers were able to order the vertical panels that encircle the system in a variety of color choices.
However, the design was also intended to be functional. It is believed that the round shape allowed for shorter lengths of cable between components. Due to the relationship between time and space that is inherent to electrical cables, this would make for a faster computer. Furthermore, the design may have allowed for better heat dissipation.
Cray 1 Lobby Computer
The Cray 1 supercomputer was the fastest computer in the world for a year after its construction.
More importantly, it was a significant departure in aesthetics from the boxy designs typical of computer systems. Cray designed this system to with the goal of making its brand more identifiable. It encouraged its customers in industry to house this system in the lobbies of their headquarters in order to make computing more visible. Moreover, customers were able to order the vertical panels that encircle the system in a variety of color choices.
However, the design was also intended to be functional. It is believed that the round shape allowed for shorter lengths of cable between components. Due to the relationship between time and space that is inherent to electrical cables, this would make for a faster computer. Furthermore, the design may have allowed for better heat dissipation.