I was spending my Saturday evening looking through a local thrift shop for owl statues when I was overcome by a sudden technostalgia. I could not pull myself away from the abandoned and useless pieces of electronica past. One thing in particular demanded to be purchased. The ELECTRODEX PLUS.
This looks like it was Rolodex’s answer to the computer age. You can flip through screen using a wheel on the side, just like how you might flip through your rolodex. It allows you to keep a business card file, letters to write, reminder notes –that’s mine up above– a morning review and a monthly calander.
The calendar isn’t much good. The only date I am so far able to bring up on it is January 1989 and I doubt the Electrodex was Y-2K compatible. Also, some of the buttons are worn out. Like zero and A.
But I like the device. The wheels are fun to turn. I wish my computer had knobs and shit. It’s interesting to see how Rolodex attempted to adapt their interface to computing. This weird mash-up between the office of the eighties and nineties gives it an unintentional Bladerunner aesthetic.
And it beeps. I like that.
6 comments
Tom W
September 11, 2008 at 9:59 pm (UTC -5)
I have owned one since they were introduced, and I use it quite frequently. I have never had a problem at all. I don’t believe that I have even ever changed the batteries! And yes, it IS Y2k compatible. My calendar is current.
Ebinger Wolfgang
September 19, 2008 at 4:27 pm (UTC -5)
Have you a manual, i don´t have it and i cann´t administat it.
thank you for your halp
wolfgang
Roy Munro
December 15, 2008 at 5:28 am (UTC -5)
Hi; Just picked one up but have no idea how to use it! Any ideas as to where I can find anowners Manual?/, Roy.
Wayne Paddack
January 31, 2009 at 12:02 pm (UTC -5)
I have both the desk model and the pocket model. The small one has cratered out on me and I am looking for a replacement model. I have tried three other brands but none comes close to the electrodex.
mark
February 3, 2012 at 7:41 pm (UTC -5)
i have one if your interested, just posted on ebay. comment back and ill give u more info. thing works like I just bought it yesterday!
megan
February 22, 2009 at 5:22 pm (UTC -5)
We just bought a store that is full of old, old stuff. An Electrodex plus is one of the cool things we’ve found….also a Paymaster 8000. The Elctrodex has the manual. We can’t get it to work though, but it beeps when you press a key. Any idea how much it’s worth? m