17: Does my key fob have more computing power than the Lunar lander?

Runtime Arguments

When people talk about the power of their computers, we've heard all kinds of claims:

• I have more power on my desktop computer than the Apollo had to put a man on the moon
• The phone in my pocket has more power than the Apollo space program had
• I have more power on my wrist watch than the lunar lander
• And the latest one: I have more power in my key fob than the Apollo capsule had

Are any of these true? In this episode, we break it down and enjoy a bit of computing history along the way.

Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ENIAC

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_Guidance_Computer

https://www.ibm.com/history/space-shuttle

https://www.nordicsemi.com/Products/nRF52840

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Theme music:
Dawn by nuer self, from the album Digital Sky