Babbage Difference Engine No. 2

On a recent business trip to SF, a few co-workers and I drove down to Cupertino (to visit the Mothership) and then to Mountain View. While in Mountain View we headed over to the Computer History Museum but it had closed early to host a company party. As we were walking out an enthusiastic guide offered to tell us about the Babbage Difference Engine No. 2 sitting in the lobby, which is the second complete Difference Engine No. 2 to be built from Babbage's original drawings, and was commissioned by Nathan Myhrvold. Turns out that our guide was former eBay CIO Bob Sanguedolce; he was an excellent guide, clearly excited and passionate about Babbage's creation. Bob took the time out of his day to tell us about it, even though he didn't have to, turning a potentially bust visit in to a boom. Thanks Bob, we really appreciated it!

My iPhone's camera doesn't do justice to the Difference Engine No. 2, so if you happen to be in Mountain View, I highly recommend that you visit the Computer History Museum while it's still on display.