Comment by M95D
2 years ago
The TLDR version is this:
> Karpiński’s computer could be so small and resilient because it used Western components. Even though they were vital to the functioning of the K-202, [...] they were elements imported from beyond the Iron Curtain and used in the sensitive field of information processing.
Lets not gloss over this:
>The manufacturer of Odra, the Elwro company, was, however, better connected with the regime than Karpiński. Instead of improving its product to catch up with the competition Elwro began to subvert Karpiński’s position in any way they could, not shying away from slander.
I think this, more than anything else was the key factor.
[dead]
Government of Edward Gierek had no problem with buying foreign licenses for products which required western components so it was not a problem.
Apple built iPhones in China, but the country of manufacture is almost irrelevant to that accomplishment.