Gallery: Tech Time Warp of the Week: The 1977 Tablet Computer That Took Up an Entire Room

  • Image may contain Human Person and Teacher
    William Donelson / MIT
    01

    sdms-1

    The Spatial Data Management System invented at MIT in the mid-70s.
  • Image may contain Human Person Video Gaming Sitting and Cushion
    William Donelson / MIT
    02

    sdms-2

    The system seen from above, with creator William Donelson in command.
  • Image may contain Electronics Monitor Display Screen Advertisement Poster Flyer Brochure Paper and Text
    William Donelson / MIT
    03

    Desktop

    The system's homescreen, with different boxes corresponding to different apps.
  • Image may contain Machine Atm and Cash Machine
    William Donelson / MIT
    04

    Phone

    The phone app.
  • A diagram showing the layout of the system including the 8channel sound system.
    William Donelson / MIT
    05

    4.1.2

    A diagram showing the layout of the system, including the 8-channel sound system.
  • Image may contain Text Word Human and Person
    William Donelson / MIT
    06

    Book-index

    The book reader.
  • Image may contain Text and Document
    William Donelson / MIT
    07

    Book-pages

    A user could flip pages of a book by swiping a finger across a touchscreen on the arm of the command chair.
  • Image may contain Cushion
    William Donelson / MIT
    08

    Touch-pad

    The touchpad on the arm of the chair.
  • Image may contain Electronics and Calculator
    William Donelson / MIT
    09

    Calc

    The calculator app.
  • Image may contain Gauge
    William Donelson / MIT
    10

    Movie

    The video control screen. The arrows at bottom control the direction and speed of playback.
  • Image may contain Human and Person
    William Donelson / MIT
    11

    PSD

    A demonstration of the pressure-sensitive touchscreen.
  • Image may contain Plan Diagram and Plot
    William Donelson / MIT
    12

    4.1.2

    This diagram shows the four minicomputers that powered a later version of the system: three Interdata 7/32s and an Interdata 85.
Read More
The Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having Fun
From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
Chris Haslam
The Best Apple Watch Accessories
You finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.
Adrienne So
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
The Best Fitness Trackers Check Your Sleep, Heart Rate, or Even Your Blood
With almost ten years of hands-on testing, WIRED knows what separates the best fitness trackers from the rest.
Adrienne So
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best iPhone 17 Cases and Accessories—We’ve Tested More Than 100
Protect your expensive iPhone 17, iPhone Air, iPhone Pro, or iPhone 17e with our favorite cases and screen protectors.
Julian Chokkattu
These Are Our Favorite Standing Desks to Liven Up Your Workstation
Take your home office to new heights with our favorite motorized standing desks.
Nicole Kinning
The Best Game Controller for Every Kind of Player
A great gamepad instantly levels up your play. These are our top picks for Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Brad Bourque
The Best MagSafe Grips for Getting a Handle on Things
Keep your phone firmly in hand and add some personality with these comfortable, durable, and nifty smartphone grips.
Louryn Strampe
The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)
We break down the current iPad lineup to help you figure out which of Apple’s tablets is best for you.
Luke Larsen
Death to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than Chapstick
From models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.
Matthew Korfhage
The Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac Health
These chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.
Michael Sawh