COMPUTER INSTEAD OF CONSOLE FOR PDP-10

This interoffice memorandum, dated August 14, 1970, from Fred Wilhelm to Gordon Bell, discusses the feasibility of replacing the traditional PDP-10 console with a small computer (specifically citing the PDP-8E). Wilhelm notes that the declining costs of hardware make this approach practical and highlights its potential to solve console management issues in multiprocessor systems. The document also addresses Bell's interest in a higher-performance "Super-10" processor, with Wilhelm expressing skepticism that current cache and Schottky TTL technologies are sufficient to reach a 10x performance improvement within the existing project constraints and marketing plans. He concludes by inviting Bell to lead a future team effort to develop such a system.