I think the distinction your looking for is "crafted" vs "manufactured". What is...

I think the distinction your looking for is "crafted" vs "manufactured". What is interesting is that the linage of these devices include lots of "craft".

- Vacuum tubes

- Wire wraping

- Core rope memory and some magnetic core memory.

Where it gets even more interesting is when you NEED craft for advancement. The most entertaining case I can think of is this one: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/neil-armstrongs-spaces...

http://www.thecredits.org/2013/09/bras-in-space-the-incredib...