Fun fact, in the novel the computers were Cray X-MPs (sadly Cray is now semi-defunct, since they were bought and merged into HPE) [1].

[1] https://cray-history.net/2023/08/20/cray-systems-in-popular-...

Thinking Machines was chosen over the Cray because they had more visual appeal. Sheryl Handler the CEO had (has) a real flair for and it showed; they were neat looking machines

The Cray machines looked more like an airport seating area. Or with later models, obstacles in a laser tag arena. While the Thinking Machines with the moving LEDs looked alive, almost like it was designed to be a character in a movie, which they became.

Maybe the new company should consider something like this for the next investor show and tell

https://rodyne.com/?p=1674

what? Cray machines were pretty rad looking in their own way.

They were, but they didn't blink.