What is an outmoded device previously used for calculating basic arithmetic?

The outmoded device used for calculating basic arithmetic that stands out in this scenario is the abacus. Historically, the abacus has been in use since ancient times and serves as a manual counting tool where arithmetic operations are performed by moving beads along rods. While it is still utilized in some cultures for educational purposes and by certain professionals, it is generally regarded as outdated in the face of modern electronic devices, such as calculators and computers.

The abacus represents one of the earliest forms of completing calculations and offers a tactile method of managing numbers, but it lacks the efficiency and capabilities of contemporary devices. Calculators and computers, which are still in use today, offer far more advanced functions and are integral to modern arithmetic and computational tasks.