Synopsis

Kraftwerk perform "Pocket Calculator" with the cool precision of machines and the playful energy of street entertainers. Dressed in black, the four musicians handle small electronic instruments and toy-like devices while the camera moves between normal-speed and heavily slowed footage. A yellow tint gives the performance a futuristic, slightly surreal appearance. Ralf Hutter adds unusually animated dance movements, contrasting with the band's familiar robotic image. The studio recording plays over the staged performance, turning the clip into a visual demonstration of portable electronic music.

Factoids & Trivia

• Released in 1981, "Pocket Calculator" was Kraftwerk's first single to receive a purpose-made promotional video.

• The clip uses footage of the band performing with miniature instruments and electronic gadgets associated with the song's theme. The combination of deadpan presentation and inexpensive-looking devices became one of its most memorable jokes.

• Parts of the performance are slowed down and colored yellow, giving the video an intentionally artificial look. The footage also returns to normal speed, making the contrast part of the visual design.

• The video uses the studio recording rather than the live sound from the performance. As a result, the musicians' movements do not always appear to match the audio precisely.

• The song was recorded with sounds from programmable calculators, including the Casio FX-501P. Kraftwerk also used other small devices, such as a stylophone and a toy rhythm machine, in live presentations.

• Kraftwerk issued the song in several language versions, including German ("Taschenrechner"), French ("Mini Calculateur"), and Japanese ("Dentaku"). An Italian version was used for television appearances.

• A customized Casio VL-80 calculator carrying Kraftwerk branding was sold as a promotional item during the Computer World period. The band even provided numbered instructions allowing fans to play "Pocket Calculator" on the device.

• The single reached No. 39 on the UK Singles Chart in May 1981.