When people think of computers, they think of high-tech chips, and high-speed processors. However, the basic ideas of computers don't necessarily require these technologies to function, as the Computer Science Unplugged series demonstrates.

One of the most unique and fascinating examples of using non-standard technologies is this Tic-Tac-Toe computer built from Tinkertoys! This 4-page article is a reprint from Scientific American, and describes how the computer was designed and built.

It's a great example of how computational thinking can be applied “outside the box”, and used in unexpected new ways.

Despite the sad ending noted in the article, where they mention that the Tinkertoy computer is sitting in a box in some museum's back room, you'll be glad to know that it is currently assembled, functioning and on display at the Boston Museum of Science.